Contributed by Tunde Tedd
This time last year I sat down with the local owners & creators of the Christmas Factory, Megan & Nolan Garvin. Talking to them again this year, we now know that their interactive theatrical Christmas show was a great success in 2019. It was only their second year and yet had more than 3000 visitors. Reading the many Google reviews, it’s fair to say it was a huge success. That’s why The People’ Paper sat down again with this dynamic duo. Maybe we can better understand the reason for the Christmas Factory being such a loved local gem each winter.
Megan, what IS the secret behind this production?
Megan: We believe in dreams, hard work, and staffing the best theatrical production. My husband and I had a dream to create something magical here in the Valley - something classy and valuable - where the entire family can escape from the harsh realities and jump into a Christmas experience. Here, visitors experience a fun world where Santa and his silly Elves entertain in a joyful way. As we prepare to start our third year, we’re seeing that adults have enjoyed their time at the Factory just as much, if not more so, than their little ones have. That’s our goal - a place for the entire family!
Nolan, for those who hadn’t visited the production the first two years, how would you describe the experience for them?
Nolan: It’s hard to describe - it really has to be experienced! You’ve got to come and see it! (laughing).
It’s a mobile and interactive theater where families become part of the show from the very first minute, they arrive at the Factory gates. Tour Guide Elves will welcome them and accompany the group throughout the hour-long tour. Guests will visit Mrs. Claus’s Bakery and have cookies and hot chocolate. After the Bakery the kids get to help the Elves fix Santa’s sleigh. The tours also will visit the mail room, the toy room and the most exciting moment, of course, is meeting with St. Nick himself in Santa’s office. For returning visitors, they’ll also get to meet with new characters and experiences this year throughout the tour.
Speaking of returning visitors, can you give us a preview of what’s different?
Megan: Oh, it’s always different! We have a new script each season and the storyline is even funnier, more meaningful each year. Also, this has become a tradition for our dear visitors, so we have things which are familiar each year. Returning guests will enter and immediately feel like they’ve come back home after having been away for a while. The Christmas Factory is familiar and cozy and fun year after year. It’s a great balance between the familiar and the new.
What a strange year this is - we must talk about the elephant in the room. This is the year of COVID-19. Were you worried about opening your doors this winter?
Nolan: This is an unexpectedly hard and challenging year for everyone and we’re no exception either. This summer, we weren’t sure whether we could open, and we explored different scenarios. In the end we felt that we’d already lost so many things this year and that we cannot lose Christmas. The Grinch has tried his very best, but Santa won in the end and the Factory will open its gates for our dear Alaskan friends and together we will create something magical and memorable, when we need it the most. We will be providing a COVID smart environment for everyone, including smaller groups, and other small adjustments to protect our friends.
We really would like to thank our loyal visitors for trusting us and supporting us this year. Alaskans showed us again how incredible they are, how dedicated they are to lift up local businesses and local artists. We couldn’t do this without you guys, thank you! Also, a huge thanks to the State Fairgrounds to give us a home and help us in many ways to reach our goals.