Contributed by Tünde Tedd
Last year I had the opportunity to interview Nolan and Megan Garvin, founders of the local Christmas Factory. It was right before they launched their new Project in the Valley. After hearing The Christmas Factory was such a success and that it is coming back for a second year, I sat down with the Garvins again to see why they were so successful and what they have in store for us in 2019! Here is that interview:
Emma Wilcox: When we last spoke, it was right before you opened the gates for the first time to your dream project out at the State Fairgrounds. How did it go at the “Alaskan” Christmas Factory?
Nolan: Honestly, we were blown away by local support from the State and also from the Fairgrounds and the team out there. We are truly grateful to the people in the Valley that gave us their trust and a chance and took their families and little ones to The Christmas Factory. We got amazing reviews online and some were very touching. We had a lot of fun – our visitors had fun, so we’d have to say it was a great Alaskan start!
E.W.: How many visitors did you have?
Megan: We had more visitors than Christmas has candy canes! The numbers exceeded our expectations for a first-year endeavor, and we are excited to double those numbers this year. We’ve seen in the last few weeks as tickets have gone on sale, people reliving and sharing their experiences from last year on social media.
Nolan: We are ready to have more children, more grandmothers and grandfathers and uncles than last year.
E.W.: For you personally, what was your favorite experience or story from last year?
Nolan: There were so many touching moments, it is hard to choose just one.
Megan: There is one that comes to mind, that we will always treasure, because it was beautiful yet heartbreaking at the same time. A sweet little boy, full of hope, walked and wandered around throughout the tour. When he finally got to Santa’s office, he humbly and secretly whispered into Santa’s ears, "Please, for Christmas take my mom’s cancer away". He had his big chance, and he wanted nothing, but to see his Mommy healthy again.
E.W.: How special! How rewarding to be a part of that and see so many people leave happy! The Christmas Factory is back again this year – where can people find it and what can new and returning visitors expect?
Nolan: Outpost 907 will be stationed once again at the State Fairgrounds at the buildings near the red gate thanks to the amazing people at the Fairgrounds – that means the location will be the same but there will be many new things. There will be a new adventure in the workshop, exciting new things happening in the bakery and extra magic around the corners. It will be just as magical for our returning visitors as it will for first timers.
E.W.: Where does the name ‘Outpost 907’ come from?
Megan: Santa has outposts all over the world – stopping places along his Christmas route to reload his sleigh. Santa used to have one toy for each child, hundreds of years ago and they could all fit in his sleigh. Today, the toys don’t all fit, so we have Elves stationed all around the world, helping him get ready for Christmas!
E.W.: For those who can’t go on a tour of the Christmas Factory, is there any way for them to get a glimpse of the Factory?
Nolan: We will have a fabulous light show at the Fairgrounds outside the Factory for all to enjoy, as well as a special, humongous special mailbox for Santa. Any child is welcome to personally deliver their letter to Santa at Outpost 907 and an Elf will ceremonially pickup all of the letters each day at a specified time. Everyone is welcome to come out and watch this.
E.W.: Finally, do you really know Santa himself?! If so, will he actually be at Outpost 907 again this December?
Megan and Nolan: YES, we know him!
Megan: He’s our favorite person ever and although he is a busy man in December, he is scheduled to be back with us this year too!
