Holidays are all about tradition. With thoughtful lighting, seasonal attractions, and simple moments done well, venues can become places families return to year after year.

In this episode, Andy and Michelle Schwindler chat with Jacqueline McCloskey, Director of Business Management at Fair Oaks Farms, about the unique Christmas experience they’ve created together. They share what the holiday season looks like in a small Indiana county, how Fair Oaks creates experiences for guests of all ages, and what it takes to turn a working farm into a Christmas destination.

Key takeaways:

• Why Fair Oaks Farms invests in Christmas programming
• How lighting becomes part of a brand’s story
• The behind-the-scenes planning of large-scale holiday installations

Highlights:

(00:00) A busy season for holiday lighting
(00:55) The challenges behind holiday projects

(04:09) Working with Fair Oaks Farm

(12:35) Christmas installations at Fair Oaks

(17:17) Meet Jacqueline McCloskey

(20:01) Creating a uniquely Indiana holiday experience

(24:15) Family traditions at the farm

(28:36) Jacqueline’s family tradition during Christmas

(33:42) What makes a partnership work

Resources:
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-cold-clvlt-963b5763

Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/

Jacqueline’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-mccloskey-220870186/

Fair Oaks Farms website: https://fofarms.com/