A winter wonderland filled with inclusive activities awaited over 120 registered attendees on December 5 during the agency’s first Frost and Farm Fest held at the Wheatley Farms & Arts Center in Brookville.
Bringing the magic of winter and warmth of the holiday season to life, the event offered opportunities for festive and family-friendly fun.
“We are so excited to see the event was a sweet success that brought together people of differing abilities to mingle and have fun in the wintertime,” said Bridget Cariello, Assistant Director of Project Development.
A highlight of the event was a winter hay-bale decorating contest. Weeks in the making, which showcased 20 creative and holiday-themed entries submitted by families, friends, employees, and people supported by our family of organizations. Judged by an independent panel, winning displays included “Holiday Village” by JNB Stars Day Options and “Frosty’s Snow Globe” by Amy Yan Yeung, Day Services Activity Specialist. See the winning entries here.
An Evening Full of Activities
The evening was filled with laughter and games lit by torchlight, ranging from ice bowling to a snowman toss. While visitors enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies from Wheatley Farms Catering, musical performances of holiday favorites including “Holy Jolly Christmas” were heard on flute and violin from Syosset and Jericho High School students.
Patrick Sherrard, Assistant Director of Day Program, also shared the spotlight by singing popular songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
Indoors, attendees had the option to create snowman crafts with self-advocate and agency volunteer Coleen Mackin, get their faces painted, or take snapshots with Santa Claus.
Parents and their children saw Caspian the Pig from the large windows in the Wheatley Farms clubhouse and learned about the different animals who live on the property from Farm Manager Allison Glass.
Holiday shopping was also available, with Big Tree Greenhouse and Gifts present for people to purchase wreaths and holiday gnomes.
Culminating the event was a tractor lighting, topped with an inflatable cow, Bessie, displaying the Frost and Farm Fest banner to highlight the farm theme. The event was an incredibly fun time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the season.