Santa And Open House At Shagbark

Christmas open house at Shagbark Lumber is Saturday, Dec. 11. Santa will be on hand, 10 a.m. to  2 p.m. for photos. Giveaways include hot dogs, hot chocolate, popcorn and treats. In-store specials and other surprises throughout the day.

Drop off a new unwrapped toy for a boy or girl in the bins at the store until Dec. 14.

'Santa, Can You Help?' Shagbark Open House

All any animal ever wants is to be loved and belong to someone who will care for them. Each gives more back in return to a human who provides a good home.

Yet there are more pets, horses and livestock looking for that forever home than you might think - and some need a little more patience and kindness because of past history - so Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supply is hosting an open house this Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon. (Santa has special treats for people who visit with their pets.)

Meet animals up for adoption and learn about the good work of Ray of Light Farm (horse and animal rescue, that's a photo from their farm, above), Cat Tails (cat rescue) and greyhounds and dauschund rescue groups.

Santa will visit Cromwell and "Cowlamity Jane" is all decked out to greet the Cromwell crowd - look for the cowboy-hatted cow outside the front door.

Shagbark also will host an open house at its Cromwell location on Shunpike Road - Santa will be there - but the rescue groups gather at the East Haddam location.

Third Annual RBF Tractor Pull, Nov. 22

The Running Brook Farms Third Annual Tractor Pull is Sunday, Nov. 22, in Killingworth. Weigh in at 7 a.m.; pulling starts at 8:30 a.m. Kids can visit with Santa; refreshments will be available. Location is 219 Route 80, Killingworth; call (860) 663-5522 for more details.

Rain/snow date is Saturday, Nov. 28.