CARLYLE - Dec. 1 and 2 are coming up very quickly for Carlyle.
We would like to welcome one and all to the 20th annual Dickens Village Festival. We are excited to make it to 20 years.
Over the years, the festival has maintained a regular schedule of activities. COVID-19 did mess with the festival in 2020 and 2021. Over the years, the weather has been challenging, with everything from very cold to nice and almost everything in between.
Over the 20 years, our committee has had the many members contributing to the success of the festival. When I hear that it takes a village to support someone, it is also true that it takes a village to support our festival. Over the years, we have used the different buildings available for that particular year. Creativity and determination have been the committee’s mantra.
Both days, there will be free entertainment, a hospitality table, lunch and a Cornerstone Family and Youth fundraiser in the hall; high tea in the United Church; horse-drawn wagon rides down Main Street; street vendors selling supper; a lighted parade at 6 p.m.; and a Christmas musical play to end the day. How many versions of a Christmas Carol are there?
On Dec. 2, add a breakfast with Santa, English markets in two locations, and an afternoon with Santa. Add the costumes that people wear to make the festival more authentic, such as Father Christmas, an English bobbie, outfits from Charles Dickens' era and of course Scrooge.
With the additions of two hotels in Carlyle, stay overnight on Dec. 1. I have been told it is hard to participate in our many activities in one day.
The festival has allowed many organizations to benefit from the weekend. One year, I added up the groups and counted 19. This also includes businesses and the Town of Carlyle.
Come, enjoy the weekend and get yourself in the Christmas spirit for the rest of the month.
