By Staff
NILES – The Lights Before Christmas goes international!
The 14th annual Lights Before Christmas returns with a new theme. Come celebrate Christmas around the world. Light displays along the paths created by our talented staff and volunteers feature holiday customs of several other countries.
During Fernwood's Lights Before Christmas, we are having once again an ice sculpture competition. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 15. The public is invited to watch the competition that will take place during normal daytime hours. Judging will take place that evening. Visitors can also vote for their favorite carving. So stop on out and enjoy this spectacular creative event. This event is sponsored by City's Pure Ice, Inc. of LaPorte, Indiana. For information on participating in this competition, contact Seasonal Naturalist Jill McDonald at Fernwood at ext. 222.
In the Clark Gallery we invite you to enjoy live music featuring the talents of many local musicians and vocalists. If you haven't had dinner, we have just the thing! Hearty and holiday fare is available from 6 to 8 p.m. also in the Gallery. Need a special gift for that special someone? We may have just what you are looking for. A variety of artists' work is on display in the Gallery and the Gift Shop has many unique items. The Nature Center warms you up with a cup of hot cocoa and seasonal displays. The evening is not complete without a visit with Santa in the Summer House. A "Fernwood" train display entertains visitors waiting to see Santa.
Dates for the Lights Before Christmas are December 7-9, 14-16, and 19-22. The hours for Lights are from 6 to 9 p.m. with last admissions at 8:30. Admission is $2 for members and $6 for non-members. All children age 5 and under are admitted free.
Lights Before Christmas Music Schedule:
Dec. 7 – Rick Willey and Jan Burda Appalachian Celtic Christmas.
Dec. 8 – Riely O'Connor and Molly Moon Singer/songwriter and traditional folk.
Dec. 9 – Venitia Sekema and Monte Bleu Contemporary traditions
Dec. 14 – LMC Vocal Choir Special Christmas songs.
Dec. 15 – John Tolhuizen Folk troubadour.
Dec. 16 – Pay the Piper Celtic Christmas.
Dec. 19 – John Tolhuizen Folk troubadour.
Dec. 20 – John Tolhuizen Folk troubadour.
Dec. 21 – Pay the Piper Celtic Christmas.
Dec. 22 – Whitledge, Wolfe and Story Favorite songs.
Enjoy the holiday season with a stroll through Fernwood's Lights Before Christmas and bring your family and friends!
Christmas Greens Workshop
One-day workshop, Dec. 1 or 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch
Many years ago in early December friends would meet at the home of Kay Boydston (founder of Fernwood). They brought baskets and ribbons, Christmas trims, and wreath frames. Kay would have an ample supply of fresh greens, and everyone spent the afternoon socializing and creating holiday decorations for their homes.