CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL
Welcome to the 23rd annual Village of Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival!
A
s fall sheds its leafy coat in preparation for winter, the first weekend in December once again plays host to the beloved Village of Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival. Join us as we celebrate the Festival’s 23rd anniversary through our cherished traditions and spectacular new additions that will add a sparkle and a smile to this magical weekend. Hailed as one of Long Island’s top ten events, the festival begins on Saturday, December 1, running through Sunday, December 2. Produced by the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson, friends and families from across the northeast, from all 50 states and, indeed, from around the globe, will gather to celebrate the beloved author as we once again turn our quaint seaport village into a living Dickens stage. Born Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870), Charles Dickens was arguably the literary superstar of his age, a status that lives on today. Ever the champion of the common man and the downtrodden, his inventive genius has inspired a raft of theatrical performanc-
es and a parade of films that portray the drama and redemption of life as a central theme. From “A Tale of Two Cities” to “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens managed to create some of literature’s most iconic and memorable personalities. Dickens made two reading tour trips to the United States and Canada, in 1842 and again in 1867, meeting with a long list of contemporary luminaries of the time including Washington Irving, William Cullen Bryant, President John Tyler, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Dickens’ American publisher James Thomas Fields. Be on the lookout for the engaging “Mrs. Cratchit’s Colorful Christmas Crafts” event, featuring a potpourri of small craft and cookie kits for families to purchase and put together in time for the holiday season. Mrs. Cratchit’s and the expanded Festival of Trees are found at the Port Jefferson Village Center. The whimsical Santa’s Workshop, an incredible tribute to Christmas of yesteryear once again created by the celebrated confection artist Pat Darling, should be on every person’s “must see” list because this magical presentation is
not to be missed. Look for it on the corner of Barnum and West Main Street. The Artisan Square, showing how hand crafted works were made during Victorian England, and the spectacular Tiny Tim’s Train Station (a Toys for Tots location), presented by the Reed Family Train Project at the Harbormaster’s building, rounds out the big attractions. The restaurants offer Dickensian inspired fare, while the wide range of shops in the village stay open for extended hours for holiday shopping. The Village, once again, will be rich with our troupe of Dickens’ street characters and alive with a host of musical, magical and theatrical presentations sure to delight the Scroogiest of curmudgeons. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Please join us for a wonderful time! Margot Garant Mayor, Village of Port Jefferson Allan Varela Chair, Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council
Inside: Welcome...3 Santa's Workshop...4 Calendar of Events...5, 6, 15, 16 Tiny Tim's Train Station–Toys-for-Tots...7 Celebrating our Chimney Sweep...8 23rd Annual Dickens Fest Honorees...11 At the Library...12 Festival of Trees...13 Village Parking p14 Village Map...18
Photo by Alex Petroski
Port Jefferson Village Mayor Margot Garant participated as a street performer during the 2017 Dickens Festival.
Vegetarian Alternative Eatery
We Specialize in Heart Healthy Dishes Large selection of vegan & vegetarian gluten free/dairy free foods. Come in from the cold and enjoy homemade soups, entrees, sandwiches, salads & chili.
ESPRESSO CAPPUCCINO BAR
Try A Delicious Hot...
t! Foer VTehgeetBaersian Cuisinoe
Innovativ tarian Friendly To Non Vege
Black & Tan, Mexican Spiced Coffee, Tahitian Vanilla Chai, Mulled Cider, Ghiradelli Hot Chocolate JUICE BAR ~ FRESH PRESSED JUICES, SMOOTHIES & PROTEIN SHAKES
FUNKY ECLECTIC ATMOSPHERE • LOCAL ART • GOOD VIBES
156 East Main Street • Port Jefferson • 631-476-7080 Est. 1998
CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL • TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA • PAGE 3
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