Our border collie Nessie made it into this great holiday video! She appears at about 1:13 minutes. Happy Holidays, everyone, and thanks to those who came to the farm to buy their Christmas trees!
GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio - Folks in Geauga County are used to huge snowfalls and find that it's pointless to complain. Knowing that it's going to be a few long months before any possible warm weather relief, many embrace the beauty and make the best of it.
Chardon Township resident Paul Kovac operates a Christmas tree farm on his 82-acre farm that has been with the family for decades. He uses the property for cross country skiing during the winter with friends, as well. He often finds it tiring to hear the seasonal complaints about the winter weather.
"There are plenty of people who complain about the weather. If you're driving through it, I understand that, but if you live in Geauga County, you learn to embrace it. We make maple syrup and I grow Christmas trees. That's a good way to sell Christmas trees...have a little snow on them. Of course, skiing...it gets you out in the fresh air and it's a way to embrace winter," said Kovac.
Businesses making money on a good snow storm, like Alpine Valley Ski Resort in Munson Township, has owner George Shaffer excited about its opening day next week. This snowfall has helped build a top-notch base for the areas rabid skiiers.
"Why sit in the house by a warm fire when you can be out here enjoying this beautiful snow, just look at the depth we have," Shaffer said.
But the local Geauga County snowfall depth seems to have fallen on Burton much harder than most.
"It was catastrophic. I've been here 20 years. I have never seen snowflakes that big and so intense. You couldn't see the water tower, we couldn't hardly see the traffic going by," said the owner of The GunRunner gun store Scott Weber.
As often happens after a large storm, Burton saw the sun come out today, which made for another picture postcard Geauga County day.
The Kovac family has always believed in homemade gifts from the heart. Recently the Cleveland Plain Dealer interviewed Jan Oakley and Paul Kovac about Christmases past. Read the article here.
