GREAT MILLS, Md. – Bubby’s Christmas Farewell is the 2024 iteration of the dazzling light show at Flat Iron Farm. Bubby Knott, a beloved member of the Southern Maryland community, passed away on Jan. 4, 2024.
Knott’s family is organizing a holiday event to celebrate his legacy. From 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 29 through Dec. 23, visitors can enjoy festive foods and a spectacular light show at Flat Iron Farm. This year’s event will feature fun activities exclusive to specific nights, like a fire truck display on Nov. 30th and carnival games on Dec. 6th and Dec. 23rd.
Bubby’s Christmas Farewell is free to visitors, providing an affordable option for families to enjoy the light show. Proceeds from the event will benefit Southern Maryland charities and volunteer organizations. The goal is to raise $100,000 for Knott’s favorite causes.
Karen Siebert, Knott’s daughter, shared more about the charity fundraiser with The BayNet. “In keeping with our dad’s legacy of generosity, we’ve centered Bubby’s Christmas Farewell event around giving back to our local community in meaningful ways. To kick off this effort, we are accepting cash and check donations for several of Dad’s favorite causes.”
She added, “So far, thanks to the generosity of our community, we’ve raised over $21,000 in cash donations, along with a donation of meat to St. Mary’s Caring. Additionally, 100% of net event proceeds will go directly to support these local causes and others.”
The nine causes Bubby’s Christmas Farewell will support include:
- St. Mary’s Hospice House
- St. Mary’s Little League
- St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen
- The 2nd District Fire Department
- Toy Drive for St. Mary’s Toys for Tots
- Canned Goods Drive for St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen
- Bike Drive for Mike’s Bikes
- Coat & Hat Drive for Spring Ridge Middle School
- Pet Supply Drive for SMAWL (Southern Maryland Animal Welfare League)
A highlight for both children and adults, Bubby’s Christmas Farewell is one of the best light shows in Maryland for 2024. Don’t miss this magical winter experience for the whole family.
For those who only wish to see the lights, the show will run daily from 5 to 9 p.m. at Flat Iron Farm from Nov. 29th to Dec. 23rd. The light show is free to drive through. The event will be held on the following dates: Nov. 29, 30; Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23.
To learn more, visit the Bubby’s Christmas Farewell website.
The Story Of Bubby Knott
Bubby Knott, known for his generosity, left a lasting legacy of Christmas cheer that continues to be honored by his daughters. In an interview with Siebert, we learned more about the man behind the tradition and the event that carries on his spirit.
What inspired your father to start Christmas at the Farm?
“Our dad’s love for Christmas was matched only by his passion for bringing joy to others, especially children,” Karen Siebert said. “For years, he played Santa for countless kids in our community, often adopting families and ensuring that those in need had a memorable Christmas.”
The story of Christmas at Flat Iron Farm began in the early 1990s, even before the Knott family moved to the farm. What started as a small light display quickly grew into a beloved tradition, attracting families from near and far to celebrate the holiday season.
The inspiration for the event came from a local man, Mr. Earnshaw, who lit up a piece of construction equipment every year. This sparked Knott’s desire to create something similar on a grander scale.
Initially, the event consisted of one weekend of festivities, including hay and trolley rides, live music, and visits with Santa. “One special night was set aside for individuals with disabilities, while the other nights were open to all,” said Siebert. “The display started with traditional Christmas lights, enhanced by my mother’s beautiful hand-painted wooden decorations.”
Over the years, the event evolved into “a spectacular light show synchronized to music, with the entire farm glowing in festive brilliance.” Guests enjoyed pony rides, shopping, meeting Santa, and interacting with animals, including exotic creatures like zebras and lemurs.
“Dad was committed to ensuring that every child who visited the farm received a gift, often buying out the entire stock of dolls and Matchbox cars at Kmart for Santa to distribute,” Siebert said.
“This event became more than just a Christmas celebration; it became a cherished family tradition. It’s where my cousins, friends, and eventually my own children came together to share in the joy Dad worked so hard to create. Christmas at Flat Iron Farm was truly his gift to the community, a reflection of his deep love for the holiday season and his unwavering generosity.”
Will this be the final Christmas at the Farm?
The farm has been sold, and a contract for part of the property was signed before Knott’s passing. However, the tradition will continue under new ownership.
“While we know it will look different under his stewardship, we are grateful to David and Volha Riggs of Flat Iron Farm RRRR, LLC, as well as David and Josie Howdyshell of Flat Iron Swim School and several of our wonderful neighbors for generously allowing us to host this special event in honor of our dad,” Siebert said.
Siebert emphasized that this farewell is not the end of Christmas at Flat Iron Farm but rather a tribute to a man who gave so much to the community.
“For months, our family and friends have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, creating a magical and festive experience for all to enjoy,” Siebert said.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, we’ve been able to put together an unforgettable event, with many attractions offered at no cost to the community. We’ll be bringing back some familiar sights of Christmas at the farm, along with exciting new displays and experiences that we are incredibly proud of. We hope everyone joins us in celebrating his legacy and the true spirit of giving,” she added.
What are your goals for Bubby’s Christmas Farewell?
“My father’s greatest wish was always to create a joyful experience for children and a welcoming gathering place for families,” Siebert said. “His passion for the Christmas at Flat Iron Farm festival was contagious—during the holiday season, you could see the joy radiating from him as he shared the magic of Christmas with everyone who visited the farm.”
The goal for Bubby’s Christmas Farewell is to create an enchanting experience where families can come together, feel the warmth of the holiday season, and leave with joy in their hearts.
“While it’s certainly been a lot of work, I often catch myself smiling, knowing how much my dad would have loved this. In many ways, it’s been a welcome break from the grief we’ve experienced after losing our dad, granddad, uncle, brother, and friend,” Siebert said. “My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner while he was still here to share in it. But as I work through the preparations, I can feel his presence, and I know this would make him proud.”
The family has set an ambitious goal to raise $100,000 for local charities, and thanks to the generosity of the community, they’ve already raised $21,800—and the fundraising is just getting started.
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I’m a 64 year old woman and I enjoyed the Christmas lights very much. I looked forward to bringing my young niece’s and nephews and grandkids down and they would be so excited. And I tried my best to come down every year and I enjoyed it very much myself.