Mountain Home Guide
Dickens of a Weekend
By JOHN FULMER

The annual festival is a really big deal, but there are plenty of other happenings

December 1, the first Friday of the month, is upon us, which means the “Dickens of a Christmas” celebration is ready for its twenty-fourth incarnation. The annual street festival, begun by a group of festive-minded locals, brings thousands of visitors to Tioga County. Wellsboro’s Main Street and the surrounding side streets will be closed to “become an early Victorian marketplace featuring all types of delectable wares for eating and drinking, as well as delightful gift items for wearing or enjoying.”

That’s according to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce and it all sounds good. But there are many other things to do during the Dickens celebration.

For instance, the Vesta Annual Holiday Show and Sale, which features women artisans and their craft work, has an opening reception on November 30 at 6 p.m. The show runs through December 27 at Wellsboro’s Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center at 134 Main Street.

Like many holiday-related activities, Vesta now has ties to the Dickens, though its origins precede the fest by a few years. Named after the Roman goddess of the hearth, Vesta began as a kind of workshop/critique session with a group of seven to ten women artists who felt they were having a hard time getting the respect they deserved. The idea of women who were interested in original creating and the processes of art in which other women would support the lady artists was a reaction to generalized notions about women artists. There were basically 2 women who discussed how they would welcome the opportunity to have feedback about their artwork. They wanted their work, the techniques they used and their time to be viewed as important. The founders started to contact other women who they knew slightly as artists. The rules were very relevant to the artists. One guideline was to present whatever “piece” each artist was working on at the time. The artist could present the goal or the project philosophy. The artists who were and are educated and  astute in the elements of art and the principals of composition would “critique” each piece. The critiques were to offer suggestions or compliments.

The women artists met at each others’ houses, sometimes as often as once a month. Members brought magazine articles, addresses for materials, and helpful information about techniques, materials or shows. In its infancy Vesta did not have a name. The members had been trying to do work, enter shows or had tried to sell their work. Most at this time were on their own. Most were not viewed seriously as artists, but as someone who had the hobby of: fill in the blank.

Vesta has never operated as an organization that elected a slate of officers, nor collected dues. Over the years it has ebbed and flowed as any other organization does, but the members still meet at each others’ house or studio. The Vesta artists view themselves as artists and sometimes the meetings are scheduled to last several hours and they include a workshop. Other times Vesta members have a 3 hour meeting where work is critiqued, and ideas are exchanged. There have been a couple of field trips that suit the visual artist’s sensibility.

Mr. I will send more  on Sat. I have to leave for a meeting. Kathryn Cummings (I was writing more than you’ll use or need....I am pretty consistent about that......You will be able to pick and choose) Kathryn Cummings, who is a primarily porta.

On December 1, they’ll hold a Spare Parts musical presentation at noon and a Dickens Players’ performance at 12:30 p.m. in the museum’s gallery.

Among the spin-off evnts are an indoor craft show on November 30, from 3 to 8 p.m.and on December 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Chuch on Street.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the food and craft vendors, strolling musicians and singers, dancers, and street-corner thespians will spread up and down Main Street, extending onto Waln and Crafton Street, and a portion of Central Avenue. Performers and vendors will be appropriately costumed and decorated to create a Victorian atmosphere that fits so well with the Wellsboro Gas Lights. With streets closed to traffic, you have the freedom to stroll and enjoy the festivities.

As you stroll about, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a little match girl, or even old Scrooge himself! The Dickens Players... “a diverse-but-talented assortment of amateur strolling performers” will once again be on hand to entertain and delight shoppers with their renditions of Christmas readings and carols. The group will move indoors for a performance at the Gmeiner Art Center at 12:30 p.m.

The Wellsboro Men’s and Women’s Choruses traditionally perform in front of the Arcadia Theater, and you’re welcome to sing along. Several other local musical groups typically offer strolling performances throughout the day. Just stop where you happen to be and enjoy tidbits of drama or musical performances.

Many of our local churches will host luncheons, concerts, tours or special services throughout the day. Hamilton Gibson Productions will present “A Christmas Carol” at the Arcadia Theater several times, and the Hamilton Gibson Choirs will perform on Friday evening. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Last year, over 175 craft and food vendors lined the streets dressed in Victorian garb to present many unique gift-giving options which included hand-crafted Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, jewelry, quilted items, furniture, wrought iron, homemade cheese & meats, pet treats, heirloom Santas, stuffed animals and dolls for the children on your list. In addition, several indoor craft shows are held at the United Methodist Church, the Wellsboro Senior Center, and the Firemen’s Annex. For a lasting memory, you can have your picture taken at the Arcadia Theatre.

Numerous food vendors are always on hand to warm your tummies and tickle your tastebuds with such delectable delights as hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs, homemade soups and chowders, bread pudding, homemade cookies, pies and candies, hot beef sandwiches, crab cakes, fresh roasted peanuts, hot cider and coffee, cheddar wursts, kettle corn, baked potatoes, and apple dumplings...just to name a few.

Bring a candle and join us for the Peace Walk from Packer Park at 5:00 p.m., which travels up Main Street to the Green for the annual community Christmas tree lighting and carol sing at 5:30.  The 2007 PA State Laurel Queen, Lindley Henderson,will be on hand to light the giant Christmas tree, and Santa always visits with special treats for the youngsters.

Parking will be available at several lots throughout the town, along with a shuttle which will be operated continuously from the Wellsboro High School parking lot and the Wellsboro Plaza lot on Route 6.

It’s always a wonderful way to start your holiday season! For a detailed schedule of events with times and locations or contact the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, 114 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901, phone 570-724- 1926. The schedule will also be available at local businesses, motels and restaurants the day of the event.