After a long week of fires in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County, Gilchrist Farms threw their second annual Holiday Hoedown, with numerous activities such as live stunt performances, pony rides, and meeting Santa.

“It’s a nice break from all of the hardships people are facing right now,” said Monica Gilchrist, the owner of Gilchrist Farms. “It gives families an opportunity to come out together. They don’t have to spend any money if they don’t want to.”

However, families could pay to let kids explore the petting zoo or ride on ponies, with the proceeds going towards a charitable cause.

“We were so fortunate during this round of fires, we didn’t get impacted by ash. We didn’t have the poor air quality,” Gilchrist said, adding part of the funds raised from the event would be donated to farms lost to fires around Southern California.

Participants of the Hoedown explained how they added a holiday aspect to the variety of activities for people to participate in at Gilchrist Farms.

“We just bring the joy of Christmas to all the children that we come in contact with,” said Jonathan Spargifiore, dressed up as St. Nick for SCV Santa, explaining that Gilchrist Farms is a unique environment for him to don the red suit and beard. “The farm scenery, with all the farm animals, the horses, the pigs, that’s way different.”

Provided with a perfect environment, Al Morillo and his stunt team used the hay bales at Gilchrist Farms for a Western themed show to entertain families roaming around the event.

“Laughter is a positive energy,” said Morillo. “Anything that you bring, entertainment, laughter, enjoying the kids, it’s a great thing.”

The Hoedown also has a boutique with various organization selling items from baked goods to christmas items. The hoedown reopens on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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