New agri-business: rent a reindeer

There’s only so much you can do that’s different when decking the halls for a Christmas party.
Now Santa’s Reindeer Tour, a new venture based at Strickland Place farms in White House, Tenn., is making three female reindeer available for appearances at events or for display at retail stores.
Jill Swenson and husband David Pepper are among only three such companies in Tennessee. Over time, they plan to develop an agri-tourism business to include a Santa’s workshop display with vintage toys to complement the reindeer.
Despite the economy, reindeer rentals are doing well, said Kyle Wilson, an owner in Knoxville and vice president of the national Reindeer Owners and Breeders Association. He has 12 animals.
Pepper was laid off and wanted to start a business at his family’s 100-acre hay farm. He stumbled into reindeer researching Christmas tree farming.
In Tennessee, there are about 600 farms involved in agri-tourism, including those that have pumpkin patches, corn mazes and pick-your-own strawberries or blueberries.
Rates for guest appearances range from $275 an hour with a minimum of two hours to about $1,250. The domesticated reindeer went through various state and federal health certifications before their owners were allowed to make them available for display.