Julie Hardy has a background in marketing. So as she was thinking up ideas for her husband’s Christmas tree farm near Rantoul, it struck her that getting a couple of reindeer would help bring in customers.
“Really had no idea how far that would take us,” she said. “It certainly amazed us. But we actually flew to Alaska, put some on an airplane and flew them on Delta Airlines.”
Thirty years after the couple bought their first two deer in 1995, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is going strong, opening for its 2025 season on Sept. 1.
“The response that we’ve gotten on Facebook and the stories that we’ve gotten of the people — the generations and generations of people who have been celebrating now at the reindeer ranch for 30 years, it’s quite touching for us,” Julie said.
In addition to 20 reindeer for visitors to pet and enjoy, the ranch also offers other activities, including hay rides and a 10-acre corn maze. The maze’s 2025 design shows reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh. The business also continues to sell Christmas trees.
When asked about the origin of “reindeer kisses” — an optional part of the experience for those who so dare — Julie said, “From the time they’re born, I just pick ’em up and hug ’em and kiss ’em. And that’s kind of one of their treats they like, is these cookies that we feed ’em. … I say, ‘Hey, if you want a treat, you’re gonna kiss me for it.’ They do want their treats, and they will kiss you for it.”
Julie and her husband, Mark, put the business up for sale in fall 2024 and are continuing to search for the right buyer as they look to retire.
The business will stay open at least through the end of the year, with the 2025 season ending Dec. 28, Julie said.
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, located at 1356 County Road 2900 North, is currently listed for $2.24 million. According to a description from the Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Group, the ranch sees over 60,000 visitors each year.
Julie said that the listing has attracted “quite a few” interested parties, both locally and from as far away as Alaska.
She added that she and her husband are “very protective” of the business.
“What we create for tourism for the area is something that I want to see somebody maintain … maybe even I would hope somebody’d take it to the next level, do something bigger and better than what we’ve done with it,” she said.
Library employees seek to unionize
A group of 26 workers at the Champaign Public Library has announced plans to form a union with AFSCME Council 31. Once certified, the Champaign Public Library Workers Union/AFSCME will represent over 100 library employees, AFSCME said.
“We love the Champaign Public Library, and consider it an honor to be a part of such a vital community institution,” library employees said. “As a part of our love for CPL, we want to continue building our capacity to provide excellent service in a sustainable way, and in order to do this, the current climate within the library must be improved.”
The group’s priorities include living wages, increased benefits, fair hiring practices, opportunities for advancement, “equitable funding and resources” for the Douglass Branch, “sustainable staffing,” and “a voice in building policies and practices that allow us to serve our community to our fullest potential.”
Goodwill and Google team up on free upskilling program
Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries (LLGI) and Google have partnered to present a Digital Career Accelerator Program that is free, completely virtual and available to anyone in Central Illinois.
The accelerator program offers one-on-one career coaching and official Google certifications in a number of fields, including IT support, project management, “AI essential skills”, data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce.
“Through the Google AI Essentials Course, participants will gain foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, putting them on the fast track to new job opportunities,” LLGI officials said. “Most certificates can be completed in three to six months, with just under 10 hours of study per week — all at your own pace.”
The program is designed for working individuals and provides flexible scheduling. Spots are limited, and individuals who wish to enroll can fill out an interest form onlineat bit.ly/4mVXoRQ.