BY SUSAN EVANS
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.
