The Marshall County Post

12/10/2025

The Spirit of Santa
By Patty Blackburn

For years, Santa’s spirit has brought joy, kindness, and giving into homes during the Christmas season. Now that same spirit lives on through a man who continues the tradition his father began years ago.

Ted Baldwin was a magnificent woodcrafter whose craft brought joy to many children. His shop was transformed into Santa’s workshop every December. He cut and constructed wooden toys such as cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, jeeps, high chairs and tree ornaments while children stood outside and watched through the window. Ted passed away in 2007, and his son Wayne, is continuing his father’s legacy by making the same toys and continuing the spirit of Santa. The business is
Ted E Bear Toys. Wayne does not portray Santa to sell the wooden toys- he enjoys being Santa where children can feel the wonder and warmth of Christmas through Santa’s spirit.

Wayne Baldwin, Santa, lives at 2080 Old Farmington Road and is open every Friday and Saturday, starting the first weekend in December, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Only two weekends remain to stop by Santa’s shop which is located behind his house and the Christmas lights lead the way to the shop. This shop also has a “magic window” for the children to press their noses to and watch Santa construct the wooden toys. He even has an elf or two helping him and children adore them.

Several weathered clocks are on the shop’s walls with their steady ticking filling the air. One clock follows Central Savings Time and another is set to North Pole Time, reminding visitors of the magic beyond our world. Most children do not notice this, but parents do. Quite unbelievable!

Children are welcome inside, allowing them the opportunity to get a closer look at the toys. A wood burning heater fills the shop with warmth, chasing away the chill, as Santa sits in his rocking chair and tells stories he has written. Two of his favorites that he recites to the children are, “How Reindeer Can Fly” and “How Santa Found Elves.” The children tell him what they want for Christmas as they huddle close, full of excitement. As the children leave, Santa gives them a wooden ornament and a candy cane. Each year, the ornaments are a different design and the year is stamped on each of them. This year’s ornaments are beautifully handmade, wooden, rocking horses, full of old fashioned charm. The children leave filled with Santa’s spirit and anticipation for Christmas Day to arrive.

Wayne and his wife, Ann, take part in craft shows, where they sell the handmade wooden toys and crafts. Wayne also has an exhibit showcasing several of his wooden toys and ornaments at the Marshall County Art Guild.

As long as the Christmas lights light the pathway to Santa’s shop and children’s laughter is heard, this tradition will live on, reminding everyone that Santa’s spirit still lives.
https://www.themarshallcountypost.com/the-spirit-of-santa/

Santa making a wooden toy.
Post photo by Patty Blackburn

12/07/2025

12/04/2025

Normally I ease into these blogs, talk about the weather so far today, maybe throw in a fun stat — but not today. Let’s not cut corners: What is the deal with tonight? Rain is already pushing into Southern Middle Tennessee as we move through the afternoon, and this is all tied to a low-impact wi...

12/04/2025

A Blue Barn Christmas
By Patty Blackburn

The Blue Barn Venue and Garden was established in 2012. Richard and Jade Upton renovated an old barn and created a beautiful wedding venue which is spacious enough to host reunions, company events, and more. The Blue Barn Venue and Garden is located in Maury County, just over the Marshall County line.

Jade is a fabulous wedding planner, a talented decorator, a wonderful cook. She’s truly someone who can do it all. Seven years ago, she decided to start hosting a Christmas event and who else should be there – Santa. So during the Christmas season, the Upton’s hosts, “A Blue Barn Christmas,” at the Blue Barn. This Christmas event is very popular and increases in size each year as more and more learn about it. Around 600 children attended this event in 2024.

During “A Blue Barn Christmas,” the main event is Pancakes & Pictures with Santa which includes a photo with Santa, a letter to Santa, and a Christmas craft class. The children have their own private party with Santa. Tables are set for 30 children at one time and 15 adults are on site to cook and serve pancakes and syrup with all the delicious toppings. Later in the day, reservations can be made for Cookies & Pictures with Santa. Instead of pancakes, children decorate cookies with sweet icing, sprinkles, gummies, and more. Parents may accompany their child throughout the duration of the class, or shop and browse through the Christmas Market vendors’ booths that have an array of items from clothing, homemade leather goods, homemade crafts, and jewelry.

Included in the ticket price are also unlimited train rides as well as unlimited access to bounce houses.

New this year, a mobile petting zoo will be on the premises. What child doesn’t love to pet and feed the animals. This activity is not included in the ticket price.

Holy Smoke’s BBQ will be serving food all three days of this event. A ticket is not required to shop with Christmas Market vendors and eat delicious BBQ.

This year’s Blue Barn Christmas will take place on December 5th, 6th, and 7th.

Walk-ins are welcome but those with tickets/reservations will be first to attend the main event. More information about this three-day event as well as tickets to purchase can be found at: https://abluebarnchristmasevent.as.me/schedule/393f2f83/appointment/83196480/calendar/3245383

A Blue Barn Christmas – a Santa event designed as a calm retreat, offering a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere.

https://www.themarshallcountypost.com/a-blue-barn-christmas/

Photo Credits to Taylor & Tate Photography

12/03/2025

A Magical Saturday in Lewisburg

Just a reminder on this weekend happenings in Lewisburg.

There will be a Christmas Artist Exhibit at the Marshall County Art Guild, starting at 9 a.m. Kid’s Art Class, pre-registration required, $20, with Cindy Autry will be 10:00 a.m. to noon. At 12:30 p.m., for only $5, Come & Go Ornament Decorating.

Live painting, plein air painting, with Brandie Liggett starts at 1:00 p.m. and other artists are welcome to join.

Hometown Christmas will start at 1 p.m. Browse the vendor tables while listening to Christmas music, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, while the kids play games, have fun in the bounce house, and visit and make photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Dickens Christmas characters with The Wilted Tulip Costumes and friends will be roaming throughout the event, bringing the magic of Victorian London to life. Their presence adds warmth and a touch of old-fashioned Christmas spirit to the entire celebration.

Carla Powell with teach a Sign Language Christmas Carol Class at 2:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $10.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Island of Misfit Toys is this year’s theme
for the Lewisburg Rotary Parade. The parade will begin at 5:00 p.m., starting at The Acres Shopping Center. With the parade scheduled for the evening, the floats and entries in the parade will sparkle with twinkling lights that will make the parade feel magical.

Immediately after the parade, join the crowd at the Christmas Tree Lighting. The three winners of the Jingle Bell Trail will be announced, and special ornaments will be placed on the tree in remembrance of loved ones. This ceremony will take place at Public Square Park on the south side of the square.

There will be a Christmas Artist Exhibit at the Marshall County Art Guild, starting at 9 a.m. Kid’s Art Class, pre-registration required, $20, with Cindy Autry will be 10:00 a.m. to noon. At 12:30 p.m., for only $5, Come & Go Ornament Decorating. Live painting, plein air painting, with Brandie Lig...

11/28/2025

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from your Marshall County Post!

11/26/2025

Did you hear about the Maximum Velocity Peewee team? They brought home a trophy this past Sunday. The team photo with coaches can be found in this week’s edition of The Marshall County Post. The Minors and Majors had a great year also Congrats to everyone involved with these three teams! And the cheerleaders are fantastic!

The papers are in the stores now!

11/23/2025

We are looking for holiday recipes that you like to make becasue they have been handed down thru the years. Please click here to submit your recipe.
https://www.tullahomanews.com/site/forms/recipe_form/holiday_cookbook_recipes/

11/20/2025

Honor rolls will are published in the Nov. 20 paper. Delk-Henson and MCHS honor rolls will be in the Nov 27 paper. Parents and grandparents, be sure to look and see if your children and grands’ names are listed.

11/19/2025

A banner night running the ball by Tot Gardner and a stellar night on defense landed the Marshall County Tigers a monster win in the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs on Friday against Dyer County.
(Post Photos by Chris Siers)

https://www.themarshallcountypost.com/tigers-rally-past-dyer-co-in-2nd-round-for-monster-win/

11/19/2025

The Forrest Rockets saw their stellar season come to an end in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs at Gatlinburg-Pittman on Friday night.
(Post File Photo by Kacy Kincaid, Photo courtesy of Tosca Lopez, Special to The Mountain Press)

https://www.themarshallcountypost.com/rockets-season-ends-in-2nd-round-at-gatlinburg-pittman/