Who: Dale Donovan, Owner of Donovan's Place
What: Finding out what it's like to work on a Christmas tree farm and how to join the fun
Where: 5720 SW Donovan Place, Corvallis
When: Now through Dec. 24
Why: It's Christmas again and time to find the perfect tree
How: Contact Dale Donovan at the farm by calling (541) 758-6237 or stop by for a tree 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
There are many more than 12 days of Christmas for Dale Donovan, owner of Donovan’s Christmas Tree Farm.
His farm is already open and sending happy customers home with the perfect Christmas tree.
Donovan’s easy going attitude and helpful personality makes him a “Santa” to visitors. He quickly offered me a glass of wine and piece of cake before sitting down and allowing himself to reminisce about life on this unique farm.
The farm did not always grow trees, but used to be an orchard. He bought the land from his father in 1973 and after getting tired of using so many chemicals with harsh affects, he began to plant Christmas trees in its place.
“We try to use as little as we possibly can,” he says in reference to the chemicals.
Donovan’s Christmas Tree Farm has now been in business for about 30 years and Donovan continues to stretch out in many ventures. Donovan is also a ceramic artist, rents out guest houses on the property, officiates at weddings, and is always trying new things.
This year, he has begun to sell potted Christmas trees and a photographer will be at the farm ready to snap pictures of proud families bringing their tree home. These can then be ordered as Christmas cards.
Photographer Jim Carroll says, "we're going to have a computer there so they can view them (the photos)."
Hay rides are also a big part of the fun on weekends and hot cocoa is always ready for customers.
Donovan laughs remembering when a hay wagon got stuck in the mud. Just as Donovan was coming down the hill to "save the day," the front horses, broken off from the wagon, and charged up the hill at their hero.
"The best part is the people." Donovan admits that of all the things to do at the farm, he enjoys meeting and conversing with the people who come through. His hope is that everyone who comes will go home with a tree.
Employee, Steven Nelson agrees, "I get to sell Christmas trees to happy families!" Nelson also loves, "the seasonal jolliness that comes along with the job."
The worst part according to Donovan? "You have to dress really warm, gotta be tough."
Donovan says his neighbors love what he's doing, often come to find their special tree and, he laughs, "they all beg me to keep doing what I'm doing."
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