UPDATE: Over 150 children received locally-grown supplies for Santa’s reindeer during a festive event at Newark Market Place on December 20. Local farmers from Newark, Farnsfield, Southwell, Kelham, and Sutton-on-Trent gathered to spread holiday cheer with a free “Carrots for Rudolph” giveaway.
From 10 AM to 1 PM, families shopping for last-minute Christmas items were delighted to receive bags filled with washed carrots and hay. Oliver Collingham, chairman of the County NFU and owner of Combs Farm, reported an overwhelming turnout, saying, “From minute one, we had children and parents wanting to take a carrot and hay for the reindeer.”
The demand was so high that the organizers had to source additional carrier bags from a neighboring market stall. “We gave a bag of Rudolph supplies to over 150 children over the three hours,” Collingham added, highlighting the event’s success.
This festive giveaway not only brought joy to the children but also provided a unique opportunity for the community to connect with local farmers. Attendees could explore a tractor and engage with farmers, learning about the importance of supporting British agriculture.
“Many of the children sat on the tractor and asked various questions about farming,” said Collingham. The farmers were enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge, making it a memorable experience for the Newark community.
This year marks the second iteration of the giveaway, inspired by a similar event in Staffordshire last year. Collingham expressed hopes for expanding the initiative to more towns and villages: “It’s something we’ll be looking to repeat or find ways to improve to make it an even lovelier experience in the future.”
As families in Nottinghamshire prepare for Christmas, they can feel good knowing that not only will they enjoy high-quality British food, but so will Santa’s reindeer. The positive community impact of the event is evident, as it fosters connections between local producers and consumers, enhancing the festive spirit during the holiday season.
Residents are encouraged to share their experiences and photos from the event on social media, spreading the festive cheer even further.