2017 Christmas & New Year's Guide by Ad Pro Inc.

Christmas & New Years Guide

& New Years Guide

December 6, 2017

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Kennett Square was all dressed up for Christmas on Friday, Nov. 24, as the town welcomed the arrival of the holiday season with the popular annual Kennett Holiday Light Parade.

The shops and restaurants in town were all festively decorated and filled with happy customers. As people started to line up along the parade route—by the time the parade started moving State Street’s sidewalks were filled with onlookers— others opted to dine at La Verona, The Market at Liberty Place, or one of Kennett Square’s other restaurants that offered a view of the parade. Still others opted for a

snack or warm drink at Talula’s Table, Las Alondras Bakery, or Philter.

Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick served as the master of ceremonies for the evening’s events, which included the lighting of the town Christmas tree. Students from Longwood Performing Arts entertained the crowd with not one, but two performances.

As the parade got underway, floats and vehicles, all colorfully decorated, stretched from one end of State Street to the other. The Kennett High School Marching Band, local Boy Scouts, and students from the Chesco Dance Center were among the groups that participated in the parade. Various organizations and

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RUFFINI’S BARBER SHOP

Photo by Steven Hoffman

The arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus was eagerly anticipated.

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businesses in the community, ranging from the Technical College High School to Family Promise of Southern Chester County to the Unionville Community Fair to the Southern Chester County Soccer Association were represented in the parade. Fire trucks, with their impressive sounds and lights, were a big hit with children in the crowd. The highlight of the parade, of course, was the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Christmas cheer in Kennett Square will continue throughout the holiday season with many different events and activities. The enormously popular Kennett Holiday Village Market returns this year on the second and third weekends in December. This artisan market is filled with unique holiday gift options from local and regional vendors. The village market includes food trucks, ice sculptures, seasonal craft workshops,

live music, a photobooth, children’s crafts, Christmas tree and greenery sales and one-of-kind holiday shopping at the enchanting Creamery of Kennett Square.

Horse-drawn carriage rides are available in Kennett Square on Sunday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 17 from noon to 3 p.m.

On Saturday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 9 and Dec. 23, there will be strolling holiday carolers from the Brandywine Singers.

The Penny Lane Emporium will be holding holiday craft workshops. The Continued on Page 6

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Photos by Steven Hoffman

Stores like the Mushroom Cap and Las Alondras Bakery already had beautiful window displays set up by the time Thanksgiving arrived.

The Kennett High School Marching Band had a prominent spot in the holiday parade.

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KATS Holiday Gala takes place on Friday, Dec. 8. The Flash is hosting several different holiday shows this month, including the 7th annual NonDenominational Holiday Extravaganza with the Better Than Bacon Improv Comedy group on Saturday, Dec. 16. On that same day, the Kennett Library is hosting its Winter Solstice Faire from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library will be transformed into a holiday market, with local artists and craftspeople selling their wares.

Santa Claus will be making several stops in town during the Christmas season. On Saturday, Dec. 9, he will be having brunch with the community from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen. The next day, Sunday, Dec. 10, Santa will be enjoying a breakfast with the community from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Kennett Fire Company. Tickets for the breakfast are $10 for adults and $8 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. The ticket includes one picture with Santa. Then, on Sunday, Dec. 17, Santa will be at a brunch at Victory Brewing Company from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A great way to get into the Christmas spirit is to visit Longwood Gardens, where “A Longwood Christmas” is on display now through Jan. 7, 2018. The Christmas in Kennett shuttle makes it even more convenient for people to shop and dine in Kennett Square, and then visit the world-renowned Longwood Gardens. The

shuttle runs each Saturday through Dec. 30. The shuttle departs Kennett Square for Longwood Gardens every half hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Shuttles return visitors to Kennett Square from Longwood Gardens from 3:30 to 10 p.m. This option requires a special timed ticket purchased from Longwood Gardens.

On the evening of Dec. 31, celebrate the arrival of the New Year at the most festive New Year’s Eve celebration in the area during the fourth annual Midnight in the Square celebration.

More information about all these activities and more can be found on Historic Kennett Square’s website and Facebook page.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

One of the highlights of the event was a performance by dancers from Longwood Performing Arts.

Charm and good cheer at Oxford’s

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

In a moment that was worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting, the large crowd that was gathered around the town’s Christmas tree and lined up along Locust Street and Third Street joined in to sing “Silent Night.” It was a quiet, peaceful moment in an evening filled with festivities and good cheer, as Oxford hosted its annual Country Christmas celebration on Friday, Dec. 1. The lighting of the town’s Christmas tree was just one of the many highlights during the Country Christmas celebration, which is always one of Oxford’s biggest and best events on the calendar. In fact, few events showcase Oxford’s charm and good cheer as much as the Country Christmas First Friday. The shops and restaurants in downtown, all festively decorated, were open late.

There were also many different activities and attractions, including plenty of music.

At the Oxford Arts Alliance’s Artisan Gift Shop, the Quarter Ringers Bell Choir from the Oxford United Methodist Church performed under the direction of Lisa Summers. Several different groups,

including performers from the Christian Life Center, were featured on the main stage.

People enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides and hayrides throughout the evening. There was also a Santa’s Workshop where children could make crafts. Nearby, S’mores were being

toasted.

There was a steady stream of customers at Toot Sweets, the candy store that is one of Oxford’s newest businesses. Oxford officials gathered at the store for a ribbon-cutting ceremony with owners

Photos by Steven Hoffman

Buddy the Elf, pictured here with Adrianna Hughes, was helping out during the opening of Toot Sweets.

Country Christmas celebration

Debra Kline, Nancy Ware Sapp, and Deb Bakalez. Buddy the Elf even stopped by to sell some of the sweet treats to customers.

Oxford Borough Mayor Geoff Henry was joined with mayor-elect Lorraine Bell for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Henry, who opted not to run for

election after serving 12 years in the position, talked about how it was an honor to serve the Oxford community.

“For the last 12 years, I’ve called this the greatest little town in America,”

Henry said, explaining that a lot of good changes have taken place in town, and more great things are on the way.

Bell said that she was excited and honored to serve as mayor of “this amazing little town” just before she and Henry flipped on the lights of the town Christmas tree.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Toot Sweets took place on Dec. 1. Pictured are Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. executive director Brian Wenzka; mayor Geoff Henry; Deb Bakalez, Nancy Ware Sapp, and Debra Kline, the team behind both Toot Sweets and Lola’s Boutique; Buddy the Elf; mayor-elect Lorraine Bell and Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Christine Grove.

Aaron and Isabelle shared their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus.

The Grinch tried to interrupt the Christmas celebration, but Mayor Geoff Henry once again saved the tree lighting.

The traditions of “A Brandywine Christmas”

"A Brandywine Christmas" offers visitors of all ages a spectacular holiday experience including a gallery filled with a large model train display, towering holiday trees decorated for the season with “Critter” ornaments, and a wide selection of holiday events and programs the whole family can enjoy. The annual celebration opens on Nov. 24 at the museum in Chadds Ford.

Brandywine Railroad

The model train display, a holiday family favorite since 1972, offers scale model trains made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. With more than 1,000 pieces –including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys, all moving along 2,000 feet of track – the annual holiday exhibition is one of the largest modular model railroad installations in the world.

Critter Ornaments

Critters are ornaments and tabletop decorations that are handmade using natural materials. Each Critter has its own unique personality and expression – no two are exactly the same. From whimsical animals to angels and stars,

Critters come in all shapes and sizes. Using their imaginations, the Crittermaker volunteers work with natural materials such as pine cones, acorns, egg shells, flowers and seed pods to give each Critter its own unique personality and expression. Brandywine volunteers have been creating Critters for more than 40 years, with all proceeds benefitting the Volunteers’ Art Purchase Fund and Art Education & Programming. Critters will also be for sale in the museum gift shop through Jan. 7. while supplies last.

Special holiday events and activities throughout the season include:

Carols Concerts Sundays, Dec. 10, 17 and 31, 1 to 3 p.m.

Holiday trees decorated with handmade Critter ornaments are an annual highlight of the exhibition.

Listen to international opera singer Peter Campbell, accompanied by pianist Matthew Jewell. Included with museum admission.

Photo by Carlos Alejandro

A Critter Santa, sleigh and reindeer.

Photo by Jacques-Jean Tiziou

Annual Children’s Christmas Party

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m.

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy entertainment, costumed characters, face painting, model trains, antique dolls, trees adorned with hundreds of Critter ornaments, and Cookie Land. $15 for non-member adults; $5 for non-member children ages 3 to 11; $12 for member adults; free for member children and children under age 3.

Breakfast with the Trains

Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16, 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Join a behind-the-scenes visit with the Brandywine Railroad. Discover how the extensive layout is created and the complicated multitasking it takes to keep everything running. This beforehours event includes a private tour of the trains in action with Brandywine Railroad engineers, including special activities for the youngest train fans and a continental breakfast in the Millstone Café. Children will receive a Brandywine Railroad souvenir; ages 3 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome. $20 for members; $25 for non-members.

A 19th Century Christmastide

Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Sing along as Rick Spencer presents familiar Christmas tunes from the Victorian age such as “God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Here we come A-Wassailing.” Folksinger and composer Rick Spencer is known for his performances of music in the American folk tradition. Included with museum admission.

Music of Ann Wyeth McCoy

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2 to 3 p.m.

Donna M. Beech performs selections of Ann Wyeth McCoy’s music on piano. Included with museum admission.

PECO Sensory-Friendly

Train Morning

Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Enjoy early access to the museum’s Brandywine Railroad display during this accessible program designed for visitors on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders. Space is limited and registration is required. Free museum admission.

Terrific Trains family program

Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, 10 a.m. to noon

See the Brandywine Railroad and create a colorful train to display at home. Included with museum admission.

The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day), and is on Route 1 in Chadds Ford. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors ages 65 and older, $6 for students and children ages 6 and older; free for children 5 and younger, and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit www.brandywinemuseum.org.

Photo by Carlos Alejandro

The huge operating model train layout features detailed scenery and local landmarks.

Ring in the new year at West Chester gala

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center opened last New Year’s Eve with the “Celebration of the Century,” a soldout gala with more than 500 people attending. Since then, West Chester’s new theater has offered a spectrum of events and performances.

The New Year’s Eve 2017 “Diamonds & Denim” Gala is a celebration of the theater’s first anniversary as well as the community’s support. It will be held Dec. 31 from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. In contrast to last year’s gala, when formalwear was in vogue, guests will dress comfortably classy, in concert with the gala’s theme. As director Angela Scully said,

“jeans on the bottom, dressy on top.”

The evening features two shows. The Resident Theater Company will kick off

the festivities with “Broadway in the Borough.” Professional singers from New York and Pennsylvania will sing Broadway favorites, setting a festive mood. Guests will then be invited to browse auction items and enjoy an open bar and offerings from John Serock Catering. Later, New Street Heat will return for dancing on the stage, welcoming 2018 with a bubbly toast to the new year. Food stations and open bars will be set up on all three floors. Wine, beer, champagne and a special “Diamonds & Denim” signature cocktail will be on tap, along with non-alcoholic options.

Before and during the gala, auction and raffle opportunities are all about West Chester. Raffle items include a Jane Chalfont shopping spree, and diamond jewelry from Sunset Hill and Bove Jewelers. Silent auction winners will enjoy dinner for 20 at a local restaurant paired with a private performance by one of Uptown’s resident companies. Contributing restaurants are Gemelli Artisanal Gelato and Dessert Cafe, John Serock Catering, Mercato Italian Restaurant and Bar, Side Bar and Restaurant and Spence Cafe.

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center is near parking garages and metered lots at 226 N. High St., West Chester. Tickets are $175 per person at www.uptownwestchester.org, at the box office, or by calling 610-356-2787.

Courtesy photo

There will be dancing, food and silent auction items for guests in West Chester on New Year’s Eve.

Santa arrives in New Garden Township

All eyes were on the skies as Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to visit the New Garden Township Park on Sunday afternoon. Santa arrived in a helicopter that landed in the outfield of the baseball diamond.