Monday, December 6, 2010

Frakes family gets 500th tree

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the decorated Christmas tree, Kaleidoscope Farms recognized the Frakes Family of Findlay who bought the 500th Christmas tree of the sales season.
The Frakes were given a commemorative print and greeting cards and they selected a local family, business or charity to receive a free Christmas tree and stand.
“We wanted to do something to recognize 500 years of Christmas trees and donating a tree to someone in need really goes with the spirit of the season,” said Dave Reese, owner of Kaleidoscope Farms.
Little is known about the first decorated Christmas tree in Riga, Latvia in 1510, other than the tree was placed in the public marketplace and decorated by members of a merchants guild to honor the birth of Christ. A ceremony was held and the tree was burnt at its conclusion.
A plaque now marks the spot where the first Christmas tree stood.
This year, Christmas tree growers from around the world are commemorating the 500 years of the beloved holiday tradition.
“Christmas tree growers from Ohio are proud to be a small part of this long and cherished Christmas tradition,” Reese said. “Many of the Christmas tree farms in the state will being doing special activities and promotions to commemorate this occasion. It is not every year you get to be a part of a 500-year anniversary.”

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Another Type of Tree to Select

This year, Kaleidoscope Farms has a new type of Christmas tree for long-time customers to consider – the Norway Spruce.
The Norway Spruce trees have short, sharp spruce needle and a graceful form that many find appealing in a Christmas tree.
“Norway Spruces are not what most people think of as Christmas trees, but they do offer a little different look that many people really like,” said Dave Reese, owner of Kaleidoscope Farms in Mt. Cory. “They are also fragrant and have plenty of branches for holding ornaments. I am excited to see how customers respond this year to the Norway Spruce.”
This will be the second year the Norway Spruce is available at the farm, though last year there were only a very limited few of saleable size. This year there are many more available for customers to consider.
“They are beautiful,” Reese said. “They have a dark green blue color and strong branches that are great for holding heavy ornaments.”
Along with the Norway Spruce, customers will be able to choose from a large new block of Canaan fir, a perennial favorite on the farm.
“The Canaan fair are more popular every year and this year’s crop looks great,” Reese said. “We try to offer our customers something a little different each year. It will be interesting to see how they react to the Norway Spruce.”

Monday, November 15, 2010

Buying local Christmas trees supports the economy

The value and quality of locally produced food has re-inspired many Ohioans to purchase Ohio grown food in recent years. After all, locally produced products offer high quality, the chance to meet the producer and the opportunity to support the local economy. Christmas trees are no exception.
“When you buy a Christmas tree from an Ohio farm, you are supporting the Ohio economy and a hard working Ohio farm family,” said Dave Reese, president of the Ohio Christmas Tree Association. “And you definitely know where the tree came from. You may even get to cut it down yourself. That is a far cry from going to the mall to purchase an artificial tree imported from China.”
In 2009, consumers in the U.S. purchased 28.2 million farm-grown Christmas trees, spending an average of $40.92 that is going back into the local economy. The Choose and Cut segment of the Christmas tree industry in particular has been strong in recent years, with 32 percent of Christmas trees being purchased directly from farms.
“People just love the opportunity to go visit a farm where they can search for that perfect tree while spending time with their family,” Reese said. “That is an important reason many Christmas tree growers do what they do — provide a fun family activity that everyone can enjoy. And, in doing so, those families can support a local business.”
In 2009, the retail value of Christmas trees sold in the U.S. was $1.15 billion.
“That money is going to American Christmas tree farmers instead of supporting the people who bring you petroleum, chemicals and plastic trees from somewhere overseas,” Reese said. “Buying real trees keeps your money right here at home and offers a fun, low-cost experience for your family during this special time of year.”
For more information, visit www.kaleidoscopefarms.com/ or contact Reese at 419-722-1154.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Celebrate 500 Years with Kaleidoscope Farms

Little is known about the first decorated Christmas tree in Riga, Latvia, other than the tree was placed in the public marketplace and decorated by members of a merchants guild to honor the birth of Christ. A ceremony was held and the tree was burnt at its conclusion.
The year of that first decorated Christmas tree was 1510, 500 years ago. A plaque now marks the spot where the first Christmas tree stood. This year, Christmas tree growers from around the world are commemorating the 500 years of the beloved holiday tradition.
“Christmas tree growers from Ohio are proud to be a small part of this long and cherished Christmas tradition,” said Dave Reese, owner of Kaleidoscope Farms in Hancock County. “Many of the Christmas tree farms in the state will being doing special activities and promotions to commemorate this occasion. It is not every year you get to be a part of a 500-year anniversary.”
At the National Christmas Tree Convention, held in North Carolina last August, trees were on display to demonstrate the various styles of decoration through each century of the Christmas tree. In addition, a special ceremony will be held at the site of the world’s first decorated Christmas tree this season.
Kaleidoscope Farms will be celebrating the event in a number of ways.
“We have a number of items in our gift shop that will help people celebrate 500 years of Christmas trees,” Reese said. “We have a scavenger hunt this year highlighting 500 years of Christmas trees.
We have a number of commemorative cards and ornaments featuring the original artwork of Jesse Barnes and J. Wecker Frisch and we will be honoring the buyer of the 500th Christmas tree we sell this year.”
The gift shop at the farm will be offering significantly expanded new merchandise offerings including home décor, fresh greenery and Christmas gifts. The gift shop will be opening at 8 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving for shoppers to get an early start.
“We wanted to add to the great experience at Kaleidoscope Farms by offering our customers more to choose from in the gift shop than we ever have before,” Reese said. “Whatever your plans for the Christmas season, take the opportunity to visit a tree farm to get a real tree to celebrate the season, support your local economy, benefit the environment, and participate in 500 years of this great holiday tradition.”
For more visit kaleidoscopefarms.com
Contact Reese with questions at 419-722-1154.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Operation Evergreen This Sunday November 7th at 2pm

American patriotism, agriculture and Christmas spirit will all be present on Sunday Nov. 7 at 2:00 p.m. when Kaleidoscope Farms once again holds a ceremony to honor veterans while serving those who serve their country.
Through the Ohio Christmas Tree Association’s Operation Evergreen Program, local veterans will gather at the farm to pick out Christmas trees that will be shipped to troops overseas for their holidays spent far from home and their loved ones. The local Marine Color Guard, elected officials and area veterans groups have been invited to attend the event.

“This program is so special because it gives us a chance to give just a little to those who are giving so much to us through their service to our country,” said Dave Reese, owner of Kaleidoscope Farms and president of the Ohio Christmas Tree Association. “We hear back from troops every year telling us that they really appreciate what we’re doing for them. It is very hard to be away from their families over Christmas, and any little reminder of home is very important to them.”

Also at the farm will be students from Bluffton and Cory-Rawson Schools and representatives from Kiwanis Village in Tiffin who made decorations to send with the trees. Once the veterans select the Christmas trees for harvest from Kaleidoscope Farms and other farms around the state, they are delivered to the Ohio Department of Agriculture for inspection and then shipped to U.S. military posts around the world. Operation Evergreen was developed by Ohio Christmas Tree Association members in 1995 to bring Christmas cheer to military units serving overseas. This year Kaleidoscope Farms will be sending four of the more than 300 Ohio Christmas trees to troops.

For more information about the event or the Operation Evergreen program, contact Reese at 419-722-1154.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Trees and Prices

Our trees are priced individually based on tree type and size. Trees range from $25-$75. Our average tree cost is around $55. We also offer horse drawn wagon rides, nativity, Santa’s reindeer , scavenger hunt, hot cider and peanuts. These are all part of the Kaleidoscope experience and we welcome you and your family to come spend some time visiting the farm and our gift shop. Listed below are the varieties of trees we have on the farm.
4 varieties of Fir:
Canaan
Concolor
Fraser
Douglas


3 varieties of Spruce:
Black Hills
Blue
Norway

3 varieties of Pine:
White
Austrian
Scotch

We have a Pre-Cut lighted tree lot and over 25 acres of trees that you can choose and cut your own tree. All of our trees will be shaken bailed and tied on your vehicle. We also offer tree delivery.

Want a real tree but not a full size, we have fraser fir table topper trees that come with a stand and cost $25. Perfect for work, kid’s rooms or for smaller spaces.

Most trees on the farm 4ft and under can be balled and burlap. Prices range on type and height but range from $65-$100. We do ask that you give us at least 5 days to have your tree dug and ready to be taken home. Balled and burlap trees are not recommended to be in the house for more than 3 days for optimal survival.

About Us

Dave Reese started the family farm in 1983 planting 1 acre of trees which has since grown to 26 acres of Christmas Trees. Dave his wife Jan, and four sons Matt, Aaron, Jeff and Jay, are all a part of the farm. Many of the sons are now married with children and the next generation of tree farmers is learning the business. This is how our family chooses to spend the Christmas season and we hope that your family will come visit ours.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Business Hours

We're open Friday November 25th 2011 at 10:00a.m. for tree sales
The rest of the season:
Monday-Friday 4-6:00pm
Saturday 10-6:00pm
Sunday 2-6:00pm
Last Day for the 2011 Season will be Sunday December 18th at 4 p.m.

If you would like to tag a tree before we open for our normal Christmas Tree season you may call and set up a time to tag a tree.
Directions
From Findlay:
Route 12 W to St Rt 235 S to County Road 37 and go left (East) Take the fork to the left (County Road 54) and the farm will be in .25 miles

From I75:
Mt Cory exit 235 N through Mt Cory to County Road 37 go right (East) take the fork to the left and farm is .25 miles

GPS Coordinates:
N-40.95612 W-083.81799

Address:
14841 CR 54
Rawson, Ohio 45881


View Larger Map

Friday, September 10, 2010

Kaleidoscope Farms Pumpkin Days

Join the Reese family for autumn at the first ever Kaleidoscope Farm Pumpkin days this year for the first two Fridays and Saturdays in October. Along with the beauty of fall on the farm, visitors can enjoy a selection of pumpkins, snake gourds, squash and Indian corn. There will also be local cider and smores over the bonfire. Saturdays will feature our popular horse drawn wagon rides (weather permitting) and pumpkin carving and painting. Guests can also enter the $2 raffle for the Giant Pumpkin and do wild crafting with Jan.
The farm will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays (Oct. 1 and 8) and noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays (Oct. 2 and 9) A portion of the proceeds will go to help those in need through the MENTOR Initiative that through Christian values is working to change the face of Findlay one family at a time. For more details contact Jay Reese 419-722-9031.

Monday, August 23, 2010

This year we will be offering "Tree Delivery"

This year at Kaleidoscope Farms we want to help you get your FRESH tree off the farm and in your families home or business. We will be offering TREE DELIVERY this season. You come to the farm pick out your tree cut it down and we will deliver it to your home that same day or on a date of your choice. While we know some of our customers love to load their tree or tie it to the top of their vehicle we realize that for some it is a hassle. We want to take the hassle our of your Christmas tree purchase so please be sure to inquire before you pick out your tree. Want to make someones Christmas extra special?
We can also assist with surprising a family with a tree. You can purchase the tree/delivery and we will deliver it anonymously to the friend, family member or someone who you know could use a tree. What a way to make someones Christmas special.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Gearing up for Shearing

The Reese Family is busy getting ready for the Christmas Tree season. We are currently mowing between the rows and preparing for a busy summer of shearing the trees so they will have the "Perfect Shape" for you.

Friday, April 16, 2010

2010 Christmas Tree Planting Report

We finished up planting Christmas trees and spring fertilizer application, just in time for the forecasted rain showers. This is always a busy time for us as we are busy planting trees for another great crop of trees about 7-9 years down the road. We added 3,000 trees to the farm on around 3 acres of ground. We planted 3 varieties of fir, a few spruce, white pine and scotch pine. This year we had "help" from the next generation of Christmas tree producers, all 5 grandchildren. Their ages range from 5 years to 4 months. Keep checking back in as we will post some photos and more updates.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Don't forget to recycle your tree

Kaleidoscope Farms is a drop-off site for recycling your tree. The old trees will be chopped up for mulch or used for fish and wildlife cover in woods, streams and ponds. Thanks for making the green choice this year with a real, recycled Christmas tree.

Looking forward to 2010

Thank you all again for a fantastic 2009 sales season. After taking some time to celebrate the holidays and relaxing after a busy year, we are starting to get things ready for 2010. Next year we will have big blocks of Scotch and White pine opening up for all of you pine lovers. We were a little short on pines this year, but we will make up for it in 2010 with a beautiful crop of pine trees. We will also have a nice big block of Canaan fir to choose from, along with Norway spruce, a short block of blue spruce, and a nice block of Austrian pine. Those looking for tall trees (over 8.5 feet) need to come early or call well ahead of the season. We can accommodate your requests, but we will need to know well ahead of time as we will have a limited supply of very tall trees in 2010. Also, be sure to ask about our new tree delivery service next year.
Our family had a great time spending a little bit of the holiday season with yours. We look forward to seeing you again next year.