Here’s a peek behind the curtain to see the Hensler’s decorating team working with our greenery items. Each week the team works hard to create fresh inventory for customers that come through the week and on weekends. This ensures that we provide the highest quality and freshest greenery when you arrive at Hensler’s.

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Santa will arrive on one of the three fire trucks from Davis, Oregon, and Center Township. Mrs. Claus will greet all of the visitors as she arrives by horse-drawn carriage. You won’t want to miss it!

While the parade is on Saturday, we are ready and open for business on Friday the day after Thanksgiving. We have a beautiful crop of Christmas trees this year and loads of fresh greenery items.

We’re definitely getting into the Christmas spirit here at Hensler’s. With our Open House event this Sunday, we knew it was time to start rolling out our Christmas decor. This season is even more special to us as it is the year of Mrs. Claus. Many of you have been greeted by Mrs. Claus when you arrive at Hensler’s each year, and we’re honoring her with some new flags that line the Christmas Barn and wreath decorating building.

The elves are ramping up production on our greenery items. Continue reading this post to get a behind the scenes look at our hand-made kissing balls, mini-crosses and stars.

You’re invited to our Christmas Fest Open House Sunday, November 15th. Mrs. Claus is hosting our event from 1pm - 4pm Central Time.

We’ll be serving refreshments while you get the first look at the unique decorations and gifts that we’re offering this year at Hensler’s during Christmas Fest. This year you’ll find some new items that you won’t want to miss as well as some Christmas favorites that you enjoy each year.

• Mini-crosses and Micro-crosses (new for 2009!)
• Single and double snowflakes (new for 2009!)
• Fontanini Nativiti collectables fully stocked with new items as well as discontinued/rare items 40% off
• Wreaths custom decorated for pick-up when you want
• Greenery items included grave pillows

This is also a great time to order greenery items:

• Mini-crosses and micro-cross (new this year!)
• Single and double snowflakes (new this year!)
• Custom decorated wreaths
• Grave pillows

Our local honey producer is a Starke County legend. According to Wayne Emigh “I just like to mess around with bees. I like to watch them.” This is a fellow you just have to meet!

The Emigh family came to Starke County from Pennsylvania, settling around Ober. When Uncle Rudolph Werblow died, Wayne Emigh took over some of his bee business, starting with 5 hives. Moving to his father’s farm just off St. Rd. 35 north of Knox, Wayne and his wife JoAnn raised their daughters and Wayne’s bees. Bees have always been just a hobby, and as Wayne explains, “As a full time farmer, I didn’t have time for more than a dozen hives. Right now I have nine.” Wayne learned to raise bees and produce honey with the assistance of another Starke County resident, Pete Bau, who was a State bee inspector for many years.

What else is remarkable about this local honey producer? Perhaps he is best known in all parts of the county for his leadership is Starke County 4-H. He has helped raise multiple generations of 4-H children. Wayne has devoted 61 years to the Starke County 4-H and is still a vital, active participant.

Why does he raise bees? Wayne Emigh states “ I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it. You are better off doing something you enjoy.” Perhaps this statement applies to both his love of bees and his love of Starke County 4-H youth.

We are proud to know Wayne Emigh, proud to call him a friend, and proud to offer you the honey produced locally by this Starke County legend.

Congratulations Christy- we’re thrilled that you, your husband, your amazing pumpkin and all of your hard work have received so much attention.

Looking for a great bargain? We have a 40% off limited sale on some of our Fontanini Nativity. The inventory includes a little more than 70 items that are either discontinued or no longer available in retail outlets. The majority of the figurines are the 5″ collectibles, although we do have a few in the 7 1/2″ size.

Items with the 40% off discount are available right now through Christmas. Stop by during Fall Fest and Christmas Fest, although you might want to hurry! Supplies are limited and we are not carrying large numbers of any specific figurine.

Download the PDF of the discounted items. We will not be updating this list, so keep in mind that items may sell out.