Nativity performance at Twin Brook Farm celebrates Christmas

Twin Brook Farm, located at 304 Lainhart Rd. in Owego, N.Y., will be the setting for a live Nativity performance presenting the Christmas story and is scheduled on Friday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Dec. 15. The Friday session is slated for 4 p.m., while Saturday offers two performances at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. All performances will take place inside a barn on the property.

Owners Marvin and Mildred Moyer have been raising beef cattle at Twin Brook Farm for over 30 years, along with chicken, pigs and sheep, among other animals. The original house on the property dates back to 1830.   

Their children and grandchildren first developed the live Nativity event last year, and 2018 marks the second annual performance.

Brooke Moyer commented, “It’s something we had wanted to do for a while,” and added that this year’s version has been re-scripted and improved.

Brooke explained that she will play an innkeeper as well as participate in a dance, and in addition, guests will also find her in the barn’s hayloft working as the “Chief Spotlighter.”

Other family members and friends will play various roles, and live animals will be used during the performance. They are excited to introduce a baby lamb recently born, and several youth goats will also be part of the show.  

Brooke’s sister, Mindy Moyer, is the scriptwriter, costume designer and choreographer, and will play the role of Mary. As part of the re-scripting, Mindy choreographed a dance to “O Come Ye All Emmanuel.”

Brooke remarked that last year’s standing-room-only event received many positive reviews. This year, the family anticipates additional guests and is prepared to provide enough room for everyone.  

Following each performance, guests can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Young people will also have an opportunity to hold or pet the newborn lamb and goats.

Marvin Moyer will be on-hand to chat with guests about life on the farm.  

Twin Brook Farm utilizes a natural approach to produce their meat with all grass beef, pastured pork and chicken, and uses no added growth hormones or antibiotics. The farm has been a featured stop on the “Tioga Arts and Agriculture Trail,” and the Moyer’s have also participated at Cornell Cooperative Extension’s “Farm to Feast” Taste of Tioga event.    

Guests are advised to dress accordingly. Signs will be posted, and parking will be available near the barn.

From Route 38, take Gaskill Road to Lainhart Road. Or, via North Avenue / Route 96, take Mountain Road to Lisle Road, and then connect to Gaskill Road to Lainhart.  

The Moyer family invites the public to take a ride out into the country to experience and celebrate Christmas on the farm. If you have questions, call (607) 687-4053.