Preservation Williamsport will host its 23rd annual Victorian Christmas from 18th to 20th November. The theme of his three-day event this year is The Art of the Times: Music and Theater.
“It’s my true passion” Nan Young, one of the founders of Victorian Christmas, said: “I actually started my Victorian Christmas 23 years ago when I was sitting in a bar at Heldik House with Gloria and Marcia Miele and Ted Lyons. We lost two, but Gloria Miele Wood and I are still working on a Victorian Christmas.”
The festivities begin at 6pm on Friday, November 18 with the Bill Town Parade and the Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting at 6:30pm.Historic talk and concert featuring John Paul “JP” Then comes Tobin, who takes on the character of Ole Bull.
According to Victorian Christmas pamphlets, Tobin is often a popular concertmaster and principal violinist in the area. Tobin’s performance will be followed by a short special presentation on the history of traditional carols by Lepas Brass and Lepas Winds. The concert is free and begins at 6:30 pm at the newly opened Trachte Music Center at Lycoming Her College. The time previously printed on the brochure was incorrect.
Saturday’s event includes a tour of the 12 historic homes and buildings built by the Lumber Barons of Williamsport along Millionaire’s Row. Tours run from 9 AM to 5 PM. Music presentations throughout the day include performances by the Lepas Band, Hawthorne Opera Theater, and the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra with Billtown His Brass.
young said “We have samples of different architectures.” including one of the houses that used to be “Purchased on the Internet, bought by people who moved here from out of state, and are changing their homes.” Another interesting addition this year is the Swan House, a contemporary home that appears on Campbell Street during the tour.
Sunday’s agenda includes a tour of the local church, with proceeds going to the Penn College Campus Ministry Program. Several church concerts are held throughout the region, including performances at American Rescue Workers, First United Methodist Church, and Christ Church.
According to Nan Young, this is the second year that a church tour has been included in the event, but the first time it will be held on a separate day.
“There is an additional crowd wanting to see the stained glass windows at Tiffany’s, have tea at Heldik House, and have lunch at the various places mentioned in the brochure” and in the past visitors “It would upset me because I couldn’t finish it all in one day.” she said.
The DuBoistown Garden Club hosts the Toy Train Exposition and Artisan Market both Saturdays and Sundays at the YWCA at 815 W. Fourth St. The market is open Saturdays from 9am to 4pm and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. The 31st Annual Will Huffman Toy Train Expo will be held on Saturday and Sunday at two different locations this year. 800 Park Place on West Fourth Street and the Thomas T. Tabor Museum. The fair is open Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. In addition, several local eateries are participating. “Food in town” sponser.
Against the backdrop of the specter of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nan expects a large turnout.
“It was only closed for a year.” she said. “Some of our events will be outdoors, but at home we have a choice. It’s not mandatory, but you can choose to wear a mask if you want.”
And this festival with a long history continues to attract many people, “I think there were more than 1,000 last year, but I think there could be more.” Young said. “We encourage people to come here and stay overnight. That’s what we try to do because our reputation has grown over the years.” , because people will come from more metropolitan areas.”
Organizers are always looking for volunteers, especially to help with tours.Nan said “We need people who want to be guides, because in a house with one and two floors, there are three different shifts, and depending on the size of the house, we may need 20 guides. We welcome anyone who would like to become a guide, as they may have an interest in history and would like to get in touch with someone who could help with this event.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Nan Young directly at 570-419-4915.
Adult tickets for the house tour are $25 and church tour tickets are $15. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets for children ages 6-18 and college students are $10 upon presentation of ID. Adults can buy him a special combination ticket for two tours for $35, while students are $15. All proceeds will be used to support local florist and designer Lady Di, who provides hanging flower baskets that adorn the historic district during the summer and winter holiday seasons.
Tickets can be purchased at the Community Arts Center, the Genetti Hotel, the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau, or www.eventbrite.com.
For a complete list of weekend events, visit victorianchristmaspa.com.
