By JP Phillips
Contributing Writer

There was no shortage of things to do on Friday, Oct. 4, as Oxford Feed and Lumber hosted their annual petting zoo on the same day as First Friday festivities.  Chickens, pigs, rabbits, baby goats, a pony and a donkey greeted community members who stopped by to see, pet, and take pictures with the animals.  

Oxford Feed and Lumber manager Alicia McGarvey, outside sales manager Lindsey Drennen, and Brandywine Ace Pet and Farm manager Lauren Bonhert are sisters and work together to plan events that are held here and at the Brandywine store in Pocopson.  McGarvey explained that the petting zoo is likely their most popular event.  Since many residents do not have the opportunity to see farm animals up close, once a year they bring the farm to the town.  “It's just something that we like to do for the community,” she said.

McGarvey said that longtime customer Meredith Clark helps make it a success by bringing many of the animals.  She owns Finish Line Farm, which offers horseback riding lessons in Rising Sun, MD.  “I have a farm, but I'm also a science teacher.  That's my excuse to have all these animals,” she said with a laugh. She’s been part of the annual event for many years, and this time she brought the rabbit, pony, donkey, and pigs.

McGarvey said that the baby goats are a definite highlight.  While the other larger animals are viewed from outside of their corrals, people can enter and share the space with the goats.   The goats wear diapers held on with colorful suspenders to keep things nice and tidy.  They are very tame and seem to enjoy all the attention.

Ava Eisenhower, who works at the store, brought several varieties of her chickens from home and encouraged the children to pet the one she held in her hands. “She's not going to peck you, I promise,” she said as some children curiously looked on. “She’s very soft,” she coaxed.  She did her best to make the youngsters feel comfortable.

The Oxford High School’s chapter of the FFA—formally the Future Farmers of America--was there in full force.  President Arionna Cacciavillano made it clear that the club’s name is a bit of a misnomer.  “We're not just farmers, and we're trying to promote that idea that we're not just farmers.  I want to be a veterinarian.  We have people here that want to be teachers, that want to be just anything and everything. That's the main point that we like to bring out,” she said.  “The FFA is a group that promotes student leadership and agricultural advocacy.  So, we do a lot with Oxford Feed and Lumber since they're a major source of agricultural supplies in our area.”  They had coloring papers and crayons available as well as a small pool stocked with dried corn and sand toys that were very popular with the youngest attendees.  They also had many educational handouts on animals. 

Larry Drennen, co-owner of this store, the Brandywine Ace Hardware, and Pets and Friends in Jennersville, was content to watch the crowd from the sidelines and let his three daughters run the show.  When his grandfather bought into the Oxford Grain and Hay Company business in 1919, local farmers used the location to transport their grain to Philadelphia and Baltimore and, in turn, pick up coal, lumber, and other needed farm supplies here.  He said that the retail store was in a small section of the building.  Times changed, the area became more residential, and the current retail store was built in 2000, just to the right of the old historic structure dating from 1880.  He said that his grandkids are frequently in the store, and one day--with any luck--they’ll be the family’s 5th generation managers.

The store offers a full calendar of events throughout the year to keep residents engaged.  Halloween events include a “Build your own Scarecrow” contest, and they are a sponsor of Oxford’s Oct. 24 parade (rain date is Oct. 25).  Low-cost pet vaccinations are held monthly, as is “Tails and Tales” story time.  Economical pet nail clipping, and ear cleanings are held twice per month, and Nov. 21 is their annual Customer Appreciation Day where almost everything 20% off.  

It takes quite a bit of coordination and preparation to bring the petting zoo to the store every year, but McGarvey feels the hard work is worth it. “It's our way of saying thank you to our customers, our community--our friends.”

Follow Oxford Feed and Lumber Facebook to learn about upcoming events.  They are located at 112 Railroad Ave in Oxford.