EBENSBURG — The county seat’s first Dickens of a Christmas weekend in 2006 was dubbed a Dickens of a success, though organizers did bemoan a sparsity of programs.
But they refused to give up on their Victorian-themed dream and were encouraged by the large attendance.
Events were so meager – and in some cases, attendance so large – that more chairs were needed.
The tour of homes sold out before the weekend even started.
Organizers promised to make the holiday festival bigger and better, and now, three years later, this weekend’s Dickens festival has grown to include three full days of yuletide happenings.
Events range from breakfast with Santa to an old English prison tour and a teddy bear tea.
And yes, the parade and sleigh and carriage rides are still included.
The event now rivals such Ebensburg favorites as the spring Art in Bloom show and the autumn Potatofest.
Festivities will begin Friday with the noon lighting of the tree in the Cambria County Courthouse on South Center Street and Christmas caroling from the open rotunda of the Victorian-style building.
They conclude Sunday with the final performance of “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” in the courthouse.
In between, at 11 a.m. Saturday, is the Christmas parade, for which Ebensburg businesswoman Rebecca Carlin will be the grand marshal.
“This Victorian event will take you back in time to enjoy an old-fashioned holiday,” Borough Manager Dan Penatzer said.
Among many highlights, the students from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts will carve ice sculptures in Penn Eben Park on Saturday and three holiday craft shows will be held at various locations.
The sleigh and carriage rides plus a trackless train ride will take place throughout the weekend.
An adult dance will be held Saturday at Bishop Carroll High School, and Cresson Lake Playhouse will present four holiday productions of “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” at the courthouse.
Other events will include a teen dance, breakfast with Santa, slot car racing, an old prison tour and
Victorian teas.
New this year will be a lighted display in Memorial Park, next to the old jail.
The Ebensburg Public Library will host a young ladies tea and the Cambria County Historical Society will sponsor a gingerbread contest.
Advance tickets are suggested for some events.
Local News
Holiday festival promises a Dickens of a good time
- Local News
-
-
Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
A Boswell-based summer camp is expanding again, with an additional 130 acres of Ligonier-area land expected to provide more space for a growing program for inner-city youth.
-
City not seeking grant for firemen
Six weeks after a second round of layoffs, Johnstown firefighters believe they have found a way to restore their depleted manpower.
-
Six awarded Allegany College scholarships
Six Somerset County residents recently were awarded the Lucas Popernack Memorial Scholarships for study at Allegany College of Maryland in the current 2011-12 academic year.
-
Blogging with heart
Although it was probably high school English classes that propelled by career, I always liked science and history – with some notable, teacher-personality-or-competence-related exceptions.
-
Commissioners appoint three to arena board
The Cambria County commissioners, looking for new input for the county-owned War Memorial Arena, have appointed three new members to the seven-member War Memorial Authority board.
-
In brief: Police seek suspect in Lower Yoder burglary
West Hills Regional Police are searching for a suspect in the burglary of a Lower Yoder Township home on Tuesday.
-
Lawsuit: Bedford County shooting not 'justified'
The widow of a man who a prosecutor determined committed “suicide by cop” by pointing a weapon at state police during a standoff is suing, claiming the shooting was not justified.
-
Book honors Flight 93 co-pilot Homer
The widow of Flight 93 copilot LeRoy W. Homer Jr. is releasing a book this month on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
-
Mild winter speeds work: Entertainment venue may be complete by end of May
An unusually mild winter has accelerated construction of a new outdoor entertainment venue in Johnstown.
-
Man jailed on rash of charges
A Patton man is being held on $100,000 bond after police said he threatened to kill a woman, her family and himself unless she talked to him about a protection-from-abuse order.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
