Winterfest: the magic of the holidays comes to Hawley

A Victorian town celebrates the season

By SANDY LONG

HAWLEY, PA — The merriment of holiday music in its myriad forms, the finest of festive holiday foods and a lively assortment of holiday activities mark the return of Winterfest, Hawley’s celebration of the holiday season on December 7 through 9.

Coordinator Amy Griffith noted that this year’s event continues to deliver many of the favorite activities people have come to expect, while expanding musical offerings and dining events. New this year is a performance of Victorian dancing by the local group, “Top Hats and Lace,” at the Hawley Cultural Center at 7:00 p.m. The performance will be followed by social dancing and light snacks. In addition, a special display of prints by Louis Hensel, who recorded the region’s history in images from 1875 to 1928, will be available at the Hawley Municipal Building.

Now in its eighth year, the highly anticipated event kicks off with a community-style gathering on Friday evening, featuring an opening ceremony and bonfire at Bingham Park beginning at 6:00 p.m. The ever-entertaining Sandy Gabrielson will be master of ceremonies and the Wallenpaupack High School Band will brighten the scene with sounds of the holidays. Caroling and hot chocolate sweeten the evening.

Friday evening will also feature receptions at the Looking Glass Gallery and the Artisan Gallery, and the nationally acclaimed Torte Knox restaurant will host an Opening Ceremony Dinner, as well as additional dining events throughout the weekend.

A highlight of Friday evening is the exquisite Virgin Consort concert, held at Queen of Peace Church at 8:00 p.m. Directed by Hawley’s Kyler Brown, the Virgin Consort is an internationally acclaimed choral ensemble of eight world-renowned vocalists.

Saturday events begin early and include a lively mix of festivities, such as the Holiday House Tours, champagne brunch at Cafe’ Buon Giorno, music at various locations like Black Bear Music Conservatory, the Hawley Library, the Looking Glass Gallery and numerous restaurants in town.

Portraits with Santa, ice carvings, book signings, horse and carriage rides, Christmas tree sales, lace making demonstrations, craft creations, a living nativity, a live DJ spinning classical vinyl records and a free holiday show at the Ritz Theater round out the ongoing offerings.

Check out the popular Cookie Walk and Victorian Tea at the Presbyterian Church or decorate gingerbread cookies at the Hawley Public Library. Arrive in town by train on the Winterfest Express, which departs from Honesdale at 11:00 and stops in Hawley at 11:45 a.m. Arrangements should be made with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce at 570/253-1960.

Sunday dawns with the heavenly tones of harpist Diane O’Malley, whose music will compliment the fine offerings of culinary delectables at the Settlers Inn’s Winterfest Brunch. The Inn will be dressed in its holiday finery, with hundreds of yards of live princess pine, wreaths, mammoth trees, art glass ornaments, hand-crafted Santas, decorated doll houses and a three-foot gingerbread replica of the inn on display.

Later that day, the Winterfest raffle winner will be drawn at the Artisan Gallery. The lucky winner will take home an original painting donated by local artist Barbara Briden and framed by Peter Daniel. See the painting before it’s gone at the Hawley Public Library and purchase tickets at merchants throughout town.

As usual, a commemorative ornament has been commissioned and is available for purchase through the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce at 570/226-3191. For an updated schedule of events, visit www.hawleywinterfest.com .