2010 Tree Cutting

To our wonderful customers,

Evergreen Farms has had amazing support this year. All the awesome customers that have come out and shown support as we deal with the results of a two-year drought has been heart-warming for the Walterscheidt family.

We have a nice selection of Fraser Firs at the farm this year. But because of the large volume of customers and the recent drought, we are no longer cutting any trees from the field at Evergreen Farms for the 2010 season. We want to make sure our trees grow nice and tall for you to cut down next year.

HOWEVER, you can still take the wagon ride out to the "yard" to find the perfect tree, which has been watered since arriving from North Carolina and Washington state. They are set up in stands so you can stroll through the row of trees and pick which one you'd like to take home.

After picking your tree, you can then enjoy the campfire and roast a marshmallow or two, while drinking a cup of hot chocolate and enjoying an Elgin sausage wrap from the concession stand. Paint a pine cone to hang on your new tree, get lost in the maze, play a game of teatherball and don't forget to feed the goats.

We regret that this has come to past and know our valued customers understand our situation. As farmers, we sometimes can't control what Mother Nature throws at us. Luckily, we still are able to provide a place for you to make wonderful family memories while you pick our your tree.

We hope to see you out at the farm for a fun farm family experience.

All the best,

Mike & Beth Walterscheidt

$1 Trees for Troops Coloring Page

Once again, we'll be participating in the Trees for Troops program. Trees for Troops is a national program organized by the nonprofit ChristmasSPIRITFoundation that provides real Christmas trees to troops around the USA and overseas.

While our farm will not be providing trees this year, we will be collecting money to help pay for the program. Every penny you donate goes directly to the program. There are two ways you can donate while you're at our farm:

1. You can find a donation jar in the gift shop when you check out.

2. You can donate $1 to color a Christmas tree and write a message out to the troops, which will be delivered to troops in Afghanistan.

Make sure to follow @Trees4Troops on Twitter for updated information on the Trees for Troops program throughout the season.

Cinnamon Toasted Pumpkin Pie Tarts

During the fall, we here at Evergreen Farms not only live and breathe pumpkins, we also eat them! In fact, when you come visit the farm, don't forget to ask for a copy of some classic pumpkin recipes. But every year we try to find some new and interesting recipes that include our favorite orange squash.

Several weeks ago, Monica of Monica Wants It mentioned this yummy recipe and we had to try it.

Cinnamon Toasted Pumpkin Pie Tarts


It was super easy, super fast and super yummy! I think these might have to make an appearance at Thanksgiving this year. Click here for the recipe on Picky Palate.

Here are some other recipes that you might want to try (click on the name for a link to the recipe):

Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Cornbread

Spiced Pumpkin Biscuits

Pumpkin Leche Flan

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Spiced Maple Pumpkin Seeds

Local Children’s Book Author to Sign Books at Evergreen Farms’ Pumpkin Hunt

Sunday, October 17, 2010 from 1 – 5 p.m.

Evergreen Farms is hosting a book signing with local children's book author Heather Gephart during the 10th Annual Pumpkin Hunt on Sunday, October 17, 2010 from 1 – 5 p.m. “What’s That All About? Fall Events” is a children's book that focuses on significant events that occur throughout Fall, including, Halloween, Election Day, Daylight Saving Time, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving.

“As a retired school teacher, I believe that reading with your children is one of the most important things you can do as a family,” said Beth Walterscheidt, co-owner of Evergreen Farms. “With our Pumpkin Hunt going on right now, Gephart’s book is a great education tool for parents that visit the farm.”

The purpose of the book is to educate children, in a fun and simple format, about the real meaning behind the events we take part in. It also touches on the importance of being observant of the world around us and how we can all learn from that.

“My passion has always been for creative writing and making a positive difference in the lives of others, especially children,” said Gephart. “I hope my new book helps kids understand the meaning behind the events we take part in and how important it is to observe the world around us.”

Customers are welcome to visit with the author and purchase a signed copy of the book. The book will be on sale at Evergreen Farms Christmas Trees and is also available on Amazon.com.

The Pumpkin Hunt is a family-friendly event where children of all ages can enjoy fall activities, like picking out a pumpkin from the field, taking a hay ride to hunt pumpkins in the Christmas tree field, getting lost in the maze, launching pumpkins and more. The event includes free admission and some events cost $2-4 a person. All activities are ongoing throughout the day, allowing families to customize their experience at the farm. The Pumpkin Hunt is held the last four weekends in October, Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m.

About the Author
Heather Gephart works full-time as a project manager in the non-profit industry but has always had a passion for creative writing and positively impacting the lives of others, especially children. “What’s That All About?” is a series of children's books focused on significant events that occur throughout the seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Future books in the series will include special editions for sports, life, weather and religious holidays. Gephart lives in Austin, where she grew up, with her husband Brad and two boys, Brady and Logan.

The New Maze

We're always looking for ways to add new interest to the Pumpkin Hunt. This year is very exciting!

We have a new maze made of palettes. And it reminds me of an old corral. I can't wait to watch the kids run through it this year. So come on out, give it a try and let us know what you think.

Pumpkin Paddlers

Well, it's that time of year again! The Pumpkin Hunt starts this weekend and to kick off the celebration, here's a fun pumpkin story from the largest pumpkin festival in the world:

Pumpkin Paddlers Race at German Pumpkin Festival

Most Worthy Citizen

Beth received a huge suprise last Saturday. She thought she was just attending the Annual Elgin Chamber of Commerce banquet for fun. But little did she know, she was going to receive a huge honor. She was named Most Worthy Citizen of Elgin for dedicating her time and talents to various education initiatives around town, among other things.

Click here to read the Elgin Courier's article on why she was named Most Worthy Citizen.