Whether balmy or blowy, sunny or snowy, the first Saturday in December has been Dickens Day in Wellsboro for the past twenty-three years. Thank goodness for this festive pull-out-all-the-stops day; for without it, I doubt that I’d be able to get into the holiday mood until Christmas was almost upon us. Our unique town-wide celebration includes costumed strollers, performers, and vendors in the streets, merry merchants indoors, and talented artisans in churches, galleries, and halls. Though it’s our own homegrown festival, we enjoy sharing it with visitors—most of whom agree it’s a wonderful way to enter this “Season to Be Jolly”!

And after the horses have pulled their last wagon load of children and the Wellsboro Men’s and Women’s Choruses have sung their last carol, there’s still the candlelight parade and lighting of the town Christmas tree on the Green in the serene presence of Wyken, Blynken, and Nod.

Here are a few of the special events in Wellsboro this month:

Vesta Show and Sale
What: This member exhibit of fine arts and crafts is always a seasonal highlight. Admission is free.
Where: Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center, 134 Main Street, Wellsboro
When: November 30 to December 27. Opening reception November 30 at 2 p.m. Gallery open 2 to 5 p.m. daily
Information: (570) 724-1917
 
The Friendly Beasts
What: In this “Dickens of a Concert,” all four Hamilton-Gibson choirs celebrate the animal kingdom. Sponsored by Ward Manufacturing.
Where: St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 38 Central Avenue, Wellsboro 
When: November 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $7; students and children $4
Information: (570) 724-2079

A Christmas Carol
What: Hamilton-Gibson’s version of Dickens’ classic story. A main feature of Wellsboro’s Dickens of a Christmas Festival.
Where: Arcadia Theatre, 50 Main Street, Wellsboro
When: December 1 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Admission: $10
Information: (570) 724-2079  
 
Fezziwig’s Follies
What: Hamilton-Gibson’s Victorian variety show for the whole family, a Dickensian diversion hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, jovial characters from A Christmas Carol.
Where: 100 Main Street, Wellsboro
When: December 1 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Admission: $10
Information: (570) 724-2079

Peace on Earth
What: Nearly 200 musicians sing sacred and secular music from the Renaissance to the present, all of which features a theme of peace. The concert will sometimes be enhanced by candlelight. Familiar carols and hymns for audience participation will be included as well as accompaniment with organ, brass, and percussion. Special appearances by singers from Troy High School choirs, under the direction of John Wile, will be given before and during the Troy presentation.
Performances: Mansfield University’s Steadman Theatre on December 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Troy High School Auditorium on December 2 at 3 p.m.
Admission: $8; students and children $5
Information: (570) 662-4710 for Mansfield performance and (570) 297-4346 for Troy performance
 
Messiah Sing-along
What: Community members will join together to sing Handel’s choral masterpiece in this Hamilton-Gibson production. With local musicians providing the accompaniment and local singers providing the solos, everyone joins in on the magnificent choruses. To audition for one of the solos (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), contact the H-G House at (570) 724-2079. Sponsored by North Country Physicians.
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Pearl Street, Wellsboro
When: December 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Admission: Donation at door
Information: (570) 724-2079 or www.hamiltongibson.org

Larry Biddison is professor emeritus of literature at Mansfield University. You can contact him at onstageoffthewall@mountainhomemag.com.