Bourbon Barrel Christmas Tree Returning Bigger, Better

Family Has Hopes Of Raising More Money For Local Christmas Charity

Cody and Jan Vincent take a break from positioning barrels into a Christmas Tree.

Darren Doyle, story ad photos:
The Bourbon Barrel Brothers are at it again; this time bigger, better, and bolder.

Cody and Jon Vincent, along with their father, A.J. Vincent, and stepmother, Jan Vincent, were lugging, rolling, lifting, and maneuvering their bourbon barrels into place for the return of their hugely popular bourbon barrel Christmas tree, which could be seen a mile away last year.

The brothers' barrel business has kept them busy throughout the year, as they sell the empty barrels and barrel parts, but the response from last year's tree was so big, they figured this year not only needed another tree, but also one that was bigger.

"We looked into breaking the world record, but we just couldn't get that done this year," said Cody. "We've got it started at about 26 foot in diameter at the bottom and we figure it'll be about 30 to 33 foot tall when we get it finished."

That will be taller than last year's 26ft structure, which drew thousands to the junction of Chalybeate Rd and HWY 3611 (old Chalybeate loop). The actual address is 2326 Chalybeate Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171.

Cody Vincent works barrels back-and-forth to get in proper position.

Cody and Jan Vincent work to place barrels in position for their Christmas Tree.

A.J. Vincent lifts barrels with a tractor as his son, Jon, guides him closer.

The family is planning to continue work on the barrels this week and hopefully have the official lighting Saturday, November 13th around dark.

Not only is the impressive structure beautiful with or without lights, the family is hoping to raise even more money for Edmonson County's Affordable Christmas Program. Last year, Cody and Jon decided not to charge any fees for those stopping to get a better view, or who wanted photos at the giant tree, but offered a box where folks could make a freewill donation, with all proceeds going to ECAC. The program is administered through the Edmonson County Schools' Family Resource Centers and allows families in need to purchase gifts for their families at heavily discounted rates.

Last year, the barrel tree event helped raise over $2000 in cash and toys, which was enough to take care of about a dozen kids that might not have had a Christmas otherwise.

"We've got the same barrel that was on top last year with the angel ready to go again this year," Cody said. "We just want to do something good for the community and invite everyone out to our lighting next Saturday if everything goes good."

The barrels will be available for purchase after the Christmas season.

To find out more about the family business, you can visit their Facebook Page here or or call Cody at 270-246-2423, or Jon, 270-246-0819.