Public invited for two nights of holiday magic
(Seguin) – A tradition rooted in community returns this holiday season to the Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center best known in these parts as The Big Red Barn.
The center is set to open its barn doors for its two-night Country Christmas celebration. Families are invited this Friday and Saturday for an evening of music, lights, food, and festivities.
Ron Heinemeyer, treasurer and founding partner, says the event is a tradition that started 20 years ago. He says over that time, the heart of the tradition remains unchanged. He explains that each year, volunteers, choirs, churches, and community groups come together to recreate a warm, old-fashioned Christmas.
As more families move into Guadalupe County, organizers see the event expanding in both attendance and recognition. That’s according to David Reiley, president of the board of directors.
“It seems to be an event that continues to grow the last couple of years and we enjoy making new friends out there with all of the subdivisions coming into Seguin. There are a lot of people that are not necessarily in tuned with what the Red Barn does but it gives us an opportunity to introduce not only our facilities but the events that we have out there so we are constantly growing that event and trying to bring new members –new citizens of Seguin into the fold out at the Red Barn and let them see what our mission is all about out there,” said Reiley.
Perhaps the most popular attraction is the holiday décor and lighting displayed across the grounds. Kay Willman of the Big Red Barn, says each year, things get brighter.
“We had a meeting this morning of our group that planned this and who helps to put it all together and I commented that we had our Heinemeyer store lit up so bright that it looks like Chevy Chase’s Christmas and so that’s one area of the grounds that is kind of dark and so I thought okay, we are going to light this up this year a little bit better and I had a young man do that for me. I just turned him loose and said I want it bright and it’s bright,” said Willmann.
Both evenings feature a full lineup of musical performances. On Friday, the event will feature music by The Brushy Creek Boys, the Seguin High School Choir, New Braunfels Gemischter Chor Harmonie and the McQueeney Baptist Church Choir and Band.
Saturday’s entertainment will feature Faith, Hope, and the New Normal plus a Sing Along with Norm (Housley), the Cross Church Choir and the McDevitt Sisters.
Among the activities will be visits with Santa Claus; children’s arts & crafts; cookie decorating; demonstrations in the Ag Education Wing and Smoke House; a live nativity, hayrides, a marshmallow roasting station, jingle bell necklace making and a visit by the HEB Buddy.
Country Christmas will be held Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, or $25 for a family. Cash or check is preferred. The Big Red Barn is located at the corner of Cordova Road and State Hwy. 123 North.