The holiday season looks different this year. While some holiday traditions may not be possible because of the pandemic, new ones can be started. One Utah ranch is working to offer safe holiday activities.
“I guess you could say it's kind of in our blood to have animals for entertainment purposes, my husband's family, they have owned and started R and G Horse and Wagon and Mike and Brandice Performance Animals,” said Elizabeth Brown.
Elizabeth Brown, owner of Rockin Reindeer Ranch, has been preparing for the holiday season. Brown said what started as raising reindeer for films turned into bringing people on the ranch for Christmas tours.
“We are of course, following all the guidelines and taking precautions for COVID," said Brown. We are fortunate in that our goal for our business was to always run small tours and just provide a really intimate experience. Each family has a separate time to spend with the reindeer take pictures with the Ranger if they want to.”
The tours being offered outside have helped Brown and her husband to create a safe environment that can allow for social distancing and other COVID guidelines. Compared to last year, Brown said they have limited group sizes to 25 people from 30, will be requiring masks, and wiping down high contact areas.
This is only the second year Rockin Reindeer Ranch has been in business. Since they started offering tours last year, Brown said they have expanded their herd with some bulls.
“The goal for our business is to offer sleigh rides to the public. We are a few years out on that, just because we need to build the size of our herd up to be able to do that,” said Brown.
To find out about other holiday farm experiences, visit utahsown.org/holiday-gift-guide
