By CAROL KENT
When Garett and Kaycee Valcourt opened No Place Like Holmes Farm with their family, the original goal was to provide a local family-oriented activity. However, as the Valcourts began to cultivate their niche in the agritourism industry, they planted more than crops; they also planted a seed of education they say will help preserve Holmes County’s rich farming heritage.
“Holmes County is such a farming community, and farming runs deep in its roots,” said Kaycee. “It’s almost a dying art, and we have a unique opportunity here to show our youth how to do what the generations before them did.”
“It’s about bridging those generational gaps,” said Garett. “Many in this generation don’t understand what farming is anymore or its value to our community. We want to honor the area and our family’s legacy by teaching them.”
The family invites youth who want to learn more about farming to call them to arrange for some hands-on experience. One upcoming project includes having children and teens plant their own trees.
“We want the kids to plant the tree, mark it as theirs with a plaque, and watch it grow,” said Garett. “Years from now, they can cut it down for their own family to enjoy at Christmas. We feel like this is something we were called to do, bring families together.”
Kandy Pumphrey of Vernon said her family enjoyed their recent visit to the farm and is thankful to have it as a local attraction.
“We like doing stuff like this and are glad it’s here,” she said. “It’s good because you don’t have to travel to get this kind of experience.”
Located at 2387 Joe White Road in Bonifay at the former site of Hammock Farms, No Place Like Holmes Farm operates on about 15 acres, offering Christmas trees and farm attractions such as fresh flower and pumpkin picking, as well as activities that include a mining sluice, bounce houses, games, and a children’s “cattle train.” With about 52 acres available, the Valcourts say they have plans to expand operations to include even more activities, including animal interactions, movie nights, seasonal events, and serving as a venue.
The farm officially opened Thanksgiving weekend and hosted their inaugural “Southern Christmas” event on Sunday, which included an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as live musical performances. The family continued their Christmas celebration this week with the donation of 20 trees to local families.
“Everyone thinks about donating toys at this time of year, but we thought, ‘What if the families have nothing to put those gifts under?’ With the help of Joe Rone and Matt Tate, as well as donations of decorations like lights from First Federal Bank, we are able to provide these trees.”
The farm is currently only open on weekends. The Valcourts encourage the public to keep up with upcoming events and to contact them through their Facebook page, searchable under “No Place Like Holmes Farm,” or by calling 931-625-0447.
Staff Report 