Armed with a child-sized saw, Aurora Hayes, 5, paused to inspect a 6-inch white pine tree on an unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon at Otterdale View Christmas Tree Farm in Union Bridge.
“In 20 years, you can come back and take that home to your house,” Aurora’s mother, Melissa Hayes, explained.
Hayes, of Westminster, said her family has visited the farm for as long as she can remember to cut down their own Christmas tree. Her mother, Sherry Sipes, usually has the final say and is partial to blue spruce trees because the needles deter pets from climbing them.
“It’s such a nice day to be out here. There’s only one other year I can remember where I picked out a tree in shorts. This is great, I just feel like there’s something wrong with picking out a tree from a parking lot,” Hayes said.
Aurora’s brother Mikey Hayes, 6, stopped the outing when he shouted, “This one needs a home!” The group trotted over to inspect Mikey’s pick and deemed it too large. Ultimately, the family decided on a 6-foot tree.
“This one is perfect!” Mikey exclaimed.
According to Jean Coshun, who runs Otterdale View Christmas Tree Farm with her husband, Bill, the family raises 20 acres of white pine, Canaan fir, Norway spruce and blue spruce trees. Formerly dairy farmers, the Coshuns also grow soybeans, corn and hay. Jean said she started selling wreaths at the Carroll County Agriculture Center’s farmers’ market 29 years ago and they were so popular that the family decided to start a “choose and cut” Christmas tree operation five years later.
“We like hard work and enjoy running a family-owned business,” Jean said, adding, “We enjoy watching people who have grown up getting their trees here come back with their own children and make it a tradition. We treat everyone like they’re family.”
Bill said the customers return for the cozy atmosphere and the hot apple cider they serve.
“It’s something the kids remember every year,” Bill said.
The farm also features a Christmas light show designed by the Coshuns’ son Joe. Joe, a Messiah College junior who studies electrical and computer engineering, created the show four years ago.
“He sets it up on two controllers and programs the lights to the music,” Bill explained. “We have a wide variety of holiday music – there’s something for everyone. We love to come out here on nice nights like tonight and watch it.”
Joe, 20, said in a telephone interview that he is looking forward to coming home to help his parents on the farm.
“I just really enjoy being able to see the joy on people’s faces when they pick out a tree,” he said.
April and Paul Heffner, of Taneytown, explored the farm with their sons, Nathan, 4, and Isaiah, 15 months.
“We’ve been coming to this farm for four years,” April said. “We love their trees. There’s always such a great variety.”
Anne Dorwart, of Sykesville, searched for the perfect tree with her husband, Richard Hershberger, and their daughters, Becca, 8, and Maggie, 6.
“It’s our second year here – it’s becoming a tradition. It’s nice to have a real tree with that great pine smell,” Anne said. “The girls get such joy picking out the right tree.”
Sofia Herrmann, 11, pulled a freshly cut tree on a tarp with her mother Linda, of Union Bridge.
“We’re looking forward to putting it up when we get home and decorating it,” Sofia said.
Newlyweds Jessica and Bryant Harris, of Westminster, sported flip-flops and short sleeves to pick out their tree.
“I can’t believe I’m sweating in December,” said Bryant as he cut the tree down, adding, “I’m really looking forward to spending time together and beginning our own traditions.”
michel.elben@carrollcountytimes.com
410-857-7873
twitter.com/MichelElben
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