Columbia Montour Quarterly Vol. 2: October-December 2021

On Dasher, On Dancer! Visiting the Spruce Run Farm Reindeer by CMVB Staff, Cassandra & David Hoover

In the northwest corner of Columbia County, Penn- sylvania, nestled amongst State Game Lands, you will find something unexpected. Something surpris- ing. Perhaps even something magical and mystical -- a tiny little farm that is home to an iconic vision of Christmas. What will you find there? Santa’s Reindeer! If you were to ask owners David & Cassandra Hoover, they would tell you that Spruce Run Farm Reindeer is one of the best kept secrets in Columbia County. But don’t let that fool you - the amount of people with whom they seasonally share “Reindeer Magic” is extraordinary. With a traveling schedule spanning early November to just before Christmas that covers New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and everywhere in between, the miles of smiles canhardly bemeasured. “We truly enjoy the reindeer andof- fering educational tidbits about them. But mostly, we enjoy the magic the reindeer share all on their own, thus #Rein- deerMagic,” shared Cassandra. “Our seasonal traveling schedule allows us to enjoymany tree lightings, festivals and community events as well as corporate and private events. At the same time, we’re able to work with photographers to coordinate family Christmas photos for Christmas cards.” Outside of their seasonal travels in November and Decem- ber, you will find the reindeer out and about in July cel- ebrating “Christmas in July” with several parade locations and a long standing date at the Lycoming County Fair, just a short drive from the farm. The farm has actually been a part

of the July Fair for over 35 years. It all started with petting and pictures with the whitetail fawns that were previously part of the farm. Since transitioning to the herd of reindeer in 2015, the farm now visits the fair annually to offer an educational reindeer visit under the Sportsman’s Pavilion.

Santa visits his reindeer to see how they’re progressing!

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