Holiday Magic
HOLIDAY MAGIC FESTIVAL
DECEMBER 12th, 4-8:30 PM
Imagine standing on a beautifully decorated village green, lights twinkling, anticipation building, as a pair of massive golden Belgians turn the corner bringing with them Santa Claus. It’s these, kind of breathtaking, memory-making moments that will once again be a part of the 4th annual Holiday Magic Festival in Newark Valley, on December 12th from 4-8:30pm. “The Festival just keeps getting better, with more lights, decorations, music, fantastic food and activities for all ages, and many new contributors to the festival this year as well”, says festival coordinator Sylvia Riegel. “Our painting crew is already busy at work, in cooperation with the Newark Valley High School Art Club, painting 8 foot tall toy soldiers to greet you and advertise the festival, as you enter the village.” Last year, Bonnie Geisenhof and Alex Torra created a pair of beautiful Victorian skaters and a family of carolers with cut out faces so participants can have their pictures taken as one of the characters. These were added to our already enchanting life sized Candy Land light display.
Festival goers will have a great opportunity to see ice carving by Mark Watson. Mark has been doing ice carving for years for The Travel Channel, The Late Show and many large and local festivals. You won’t want to miss this.
The Newark Valley Methodist Church will be providing a delicious selection of homemade soups and breads. The Eastern Star will be returning again this year with their wonderful homemade pies. Also the Newark Valley Middle School PTS will be providing a variety of delicious cakes and candies for sale. They will also be offering a keepsake ornament of the Holiday Magic Festival, and a Newark Valley cardinal. Profits from these sales will help support extra educational activities.
Santa’s workshop will be at the Train Depot, where festival goers will enjoy a wide variety of activities for all ages. There will be more great food, music, cookie decorating and make-and-take crafts. Also on display will be the Youth and Group categories of gingerbread houses. Santa Claus, will also be there visiting with the children and giving out a free gift.
Music is a much anticipated part of the festival with a whole line up of trios, quartets, piano solos, choirs, the NV Select Chorus, and other groups playing a variety of instruments. Weather permitting, the famous, world traveling, Village trumpet player will fill the air with the majestic sounds of Christmas. Also for those that enjoy the more traditional sounds of Christmas carols can join in around the warming fires outside on the Green.
Don’t forget to join the Gingerbread house contest, by entering one of your own creations. There is over $200 of prizes available. Why not enter one of the 9 categories and start a family tradition at the same time. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, at least enjoy marveling at what others have done and cast a vote for your favorite. Last year there were castles, elves cottages, birdhouses, farms, and even a Cinderella’s horse and carriage.
The Tappan Spaulding Library will be open with stories and activities, as well as the addition of a new and gently used book sale. Your purchases will greatly help our local library provide resources for the community’s use.
We look forward to ringing in the holidays with you.
2009 Holiday Magic Schedule of Events
At the Village Green
4:25 Santa arrives
Music Schedule
5:00-5:45 Newark Valley High School Select Choir
6:00-6:45 The Baptist Church Carolers
6:00-8:30 Ice Carving by Mark Watson
4:30-7:30 Horse and Carriage Rides to Depot
Holiday Magic Café in the Municipal Building
Food, Music, Displays and Make Your Own Bath Salts Table
Music Schedule
4:00-4:45 Lisa Kalpokas’s Girl Scout Troop
5:00-5:45 Berkshire Congregational Church Choir
6:00-6:45 Voices One
7:00-7:45 Holiday Piano Music - Leah Gregrow
8:00-9:00 Valley Four
9:00 Raffle & gingerbread house winners announced
Train Depot
Food, Music and Kids’ Activities including Make It-Take It Crafts
4:45-8:00 Visit with Santa
Music Schedule
4:00-5:00 Dan Drewey
5:00-6:00 Four of Hearts-Women’s Barbershop Quartet
6:30-7:30 Tom Quigley
Tappan Spaulding Memorial Library
Open House-Stories and activities
Used Book Sale
New this year:
Ice Carving display
Special Newark Valley Cardinal Ornament for sale
Holiday Marketplace behind the Post Office
A canopy of lights and garland set the stage for the Café complete with a fireplace and beautifully decorated tree to give it a homey feel. There was a wide variety of food, activities, and music here as well. Gingerbread houses provided a festive atmosphere at both the Village Hall and the Depot. The entire village was alive with activity. Come see for yourself next year! The word on the street was that this is a tradition that must continue. And continue it will, with the generous support of the many businesses and volunteers that made this event such a success.
The Newark Valley Historical Society graciously hosted visitors at the historic depot. Reminiscent of days gone by, the coal stoves worked overtime, warming guests as they enjoyed activities, food, and live music. Santa sat greeting eager visitors, including a miniature Chihuahua dressed in a red coat and hat. Back at the Village Green, the sights and sounds were magical both outside and In. Life-sized CandyLand light displays, crackling warming fires, the rich sounds of brass piercing the night, and the clip-clopping of the horses hooves made it a night to remember. One could also warm up inside at the Holiday Magic Café.