PDT Staff Report
The Portsmouth Area Arts Council, in cooperation with the Portsmouth-Scioto County Visitors Bureau and funding from Southern Ohio Medical Center, will present "A Dickens of a Christmas Festival 2008" beginning Thursday with the annual Jaycees Christmas Parade in downtown Portsmouth. The event welcomes Santa and kicks off the holiday shopping season.
DeLynn Coppoletti, executive director of the arts council, said this is the 22nd year for the community event.
She said PAAC serves as a clearing-house for holiday activities. If any group or organization has a holiday-related event, they are encouraged to send it to PAAC and it then is included on the festival calendar, which has been sent to a mailing list of 1,100. About 4,000 are printed and the remainder are placed in various locations for the public to receive, such as at the Scioto County Welcome Center, libraries, churches, Shawnee State University and SOMC. The calendar also will be available during Holly Days festivities Nov. 21-29, at the SOMC Friends Community Center.
Coppoletti said if anyone wants a copy of the calendar, they should contact Kim Bauer at the Welcome Center, (740) 353-1116.
Coppoletti said the festival is a fun thing that the whole community can get together and be a part of.
"What a great way for people to celebrate and to bring people downtown. There's something every weekend from Nov. 8 through Dec. 22," she said.
As part of its publicity for the festival, PAAC included this note: "During Dicken's lifetime a remarkable number of our present holiday traditions developed. When we realized that Christmas, Victoriana and Dickens himself could be woven together into a special Portsmouth holiday celebration, 'A Dickens of a Christmas Festival' was born."
The calendar publication also includes this note: "We are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic participation of the area's cultural organizations, music groups and creative individuals who provide Portsmouth with the vibrant cultural life of 'A Dickens of a Christmas Festival.' They have fashioned a wondrous package of events for you to unwrap with pleasure."
A complete schedule follows:
A Dickens of a Christmas 2008 Thursday
Annual Jaycees Christmas Parade in Downtown Portsmouth
The parade, a longtime tradition in Portsmouth, welcomes Santa for the children and kicks off the shopping season in the downtown. Line up at 5 p.m., parade starts at 6 p.m. Route: Portsmouth High School west to Gallia Street to Fifth Street and ends at Valley Foods on Market Street.
Sponsoring agency -- Portsmouth Area Jaycees
Contact: Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, (740) 353-7647
Nov. 21 to 29
Holly Days -- The kick off to the holiday season in the Portsmouth area, this event has been a staple for many years.
Friday
Opening Night Gala -- $40 per person
The opening night gala on Friday offers a first glimpse of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and other decorated items of which those attending can attempt to own through a silent auction. A buffet dinner is served, entertainment runs throughout the evening and the craft fair is open for those who like to get a jump start on their Christmas gift
shopping.
Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public Exhibition and Craft Fair -- $2 per person
View the items on display, be entertained throughout the day by various groups and individuals, visit the craft fair, have lunch at the snack bar, purchase something sweet at Sweetland and the children can enjoy games and activities -- as well as Santa -- in Funland.
Saturday, Nov. 22, 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast with Santa - $5 per person
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 11:30 am.
Hollydays Luncheon -- $15 per person
A delicious meal will be served and door prizes awarded. It's another chance for the community to view the display of items and get into the Christmas spirit.
Location for all events: SOMC Friend's Community Center, South Campus, 1202 18th St.
For tickets or additional information call (740) 356-6160. Hollydays proceeds benefit SOMC.
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29 and 30
Train Show
Display of antique trains as well as modern trains. Accessories and kits for train enthusiasts will be available throughout the week.
Snack bar available throughout the week.
Times: Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Admission: $2 admission per person
Location: Friend's Community Center, 1202 18th St., Portsmouth
Nov. 25 and 26
CATS -- National Tour Production
There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song, "Memory."
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, Shawnee State University
Tickets: $45-$50. Call McKinley
Box Office at (740) 351-3600 or
visit Ticketmaster.com Nov. 30
Hanging of the Greens
The centuries old European tradition of The Hanging of the Greens continues at Cornerstone United Methodist Church. We will explain the significance of the legends and myths associated with many of our cherished Christmas symbols and traditions. A festive holiday reception will follow the service.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Cornerstone United Methodist
Church, 808 Offnere St.
Free admission to all.
Dec. 1
19th Annual Boy Scout Holiday Auction Broadcast live from the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, the Boy Scout Holiday Auction offers shoppers unique donated items from more than 150 businesses and individuals. Tune in to bid on your favorites and support the local Boy Scouts. New this year, join our live auction party at Ye Olde Lantern Restaurant, featuring good food and exclusive auction items, special prizes and giveaways. For auction information and updates, check out the auction link at www.campoyo.org. Sponsored by Simon Kenton Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Media Stations: Time Warner Cable channel
20 and WNXT-AM 1260
Time: 6 to 10 p.m. Call (740) 351-4BSA to bid.
Location: Ye Olde Lantern, 601 Second St.
There is no admission to the studio.
Dec. 4
The Sonshine School of Evangelism's Christmas Gift to Portsmouth
This free concert includes a variety of carols and songs of the season featuring Art and Jeff Bush, Tracy Tooley, Shawnee Community Concert Choir, Stephen Foster, the Grace Gals and many more.
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, SSU
Free admission - but tickets are required.
For more information call (740) 357-3696
Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13
"Miracle on 34th Street" by Portsmouth Little Theatre
A family Christmas classic which tells of a small girl's belief in Santa and the impending courtroom decision which threatens the magic of the holiday.
Date: 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
Location: Portsmouth Little Theatre,
1117 Lawson St., Portsmouth
Admission: Adults: $12, Students and Seniors: $10
Dec. 6 and 7
Christmas Open House at 1810 House
A festive open house at the "House of 1810" features guided tours, hot spiced cider, homemade goodies and an opportunity to visit with Dickens himself! During the winters of 1842 and 1867, Charles visited the Ohio Valley - and he seems to enjoy returning.
Scioto County Historical Society is the keeper of the 1810 House (740) 776-3420.
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Donations accepted
Location: 1926 Waller St., Portsmouth
Dec. 6 and 13
Making Memories: Decorate Your Own Christmas Cookies
Bring the children and enjoy the old-fashioned Christmas tradition of decorating cut out cookies. You will receive a dozen cut out cookies ready to decorate. We provide all the decorations and we clean up the mess. Call (740) 353-0600 for reservations and more details
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by reservation only
Location: The Tea Cup and Saucer, 429 Second St., Portsmouth
Cost: $12.95 per dozen cookies
Dec. 6
Hot chocolate with Mrs. Claus
Meet Mrs. Claus and her elves as they treat you to samples of your favorite hot chocolate, made from scratch the old fashioned way.
Time: 12 to 3 p.m. -- no charge
Location: B Sweet Chocolaterie and Gift
Shoppe, 509 Second St. (740) 352-3300
Dec. 7
Shawnee State University Community Choir -- Christmas Concert
The SSU Community Choir will present two holiday concerts as a gift to the community.
The afternoon concert will again be hosted by St. Mary's Catholic Church and the evening concert will be hosted by the Evangelical United Church of Christ. Conductor is Shirley Crothers-Marley, accompanist is Jan Cooley Suverkrop.
Times/Locations: 3 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Fifth and Market streets, Portsmouth, and 7 p.m. at Evangelical United Church of Christ, Fifth and Washington streets. No admission fee.
Dec. 8
Canadian Brass Holiday Show
The virtuosity of this amazing brass quintet has made them one of the most honored musical ensembles in the world. The Brass will perform their popular holiday concert as they return to Portsmouth as part of SOPAA/SSU Performing
Arts Series
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, SSU
Tickets: $30-$40. Call McKinley Box Office
at (740) 351-3600 or at Ticketmaster.com Dec. 12
Candlelight Tour of Historic Churches
Candlelight Tours of Churches in Boneyfiddle area with guides dressed in splendid period clothing for the holidays. Churches on the tour are: Evangelical United Church of Christ, Bigelow Church, the newly restored Saint Mary's Catholic Church, All Saints Episcopal Church, and First Presbyterian Church (where refreshments are served). Tours leave the Scioto County Courthouse every 15 minutes. Christmas concert in the courthouse lobby.
Time: 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Free of charge.
Location: Scioto County Courthouse, 601 Sixth St.
Sponsored by the Portsmouth Business and Professional Women's Club.
Dec. 12 and 13
"It's A Wonderful Pub" by the Port City Players
An affectionate homage to Frank Capra's Christmas Classic "It's A Wonderful Life" with an Irish Pub twist. This warm hearted comedy will make you laugh, and think about the real meaning of this joyous season.
Time: 8 p.m. both nights
Location: Port City Cafe and Pub, 824 Chillicothe
Admission: Adults: $7, Seniors and Students: $5
Dec. 12
"Awake the Voice! Awake the String!"
The Shawnee State University Chorus and Chorale, accompanied by harpist Jane Zopff, guitarist Julio Alves and string quintet, will present a concert of choral works ranging from Victoria's "Ave Maria," the Magnificent of Pergolesi/Durante, to recent anthems and carol settings of John Gardner, Donna Gartman-Schultz, Stephen Paulus, John Rutter and Jeffrey Vann.
Directed by Stan Workman.
Time: 8 p.m. No admission fee
Location: Holy Redeemer Church,
1325 Gallia St.
Dec. 12, 13, 18, and 19
"Winterscape Revisited"
The Cirque d'Art Theatre once again takes us all on a magical journey to Winterscape Castle and the world of the spirits of Love, Hope, Friendship, Giving Faith, Peace and Music. Watch as the spirits along with the King and his Royal Guard dance, flip, spin and trapeze their way to victory as they triumph once again over a dismal spirit that would destroy their happiness.
For more info: (740) 354-5629
Times: 7 p.m. on all days, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Location: Southern Ohio Museum, 825 Gallia St.
Admission: $6 adults, $4 members, students, and seniors.
Dec. 13
Holiday Open House and Art Sale -- Downtown Portsmouth
Kick start your Christmas shopping by supporting local retailers. Downtown shops will offer special discounts and refreshments for shoppers. Local artists will be selling original artwork at several shops on Second Street.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (individual store hours may vary)
Location: Second Street and Chillicothe Street, Downtown Portsmouth
Dec. 13
Holiday Pops Spectacular
The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, Carl Daehler conductor, and the PSO Chorale under the direction of Charles Varney join forces in its annual holiday sing-along concert. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy singing holiday favorites with the PSO and chorus and special guests.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, SSU
Tickets: $10 - 20. Call McKinley Box Office at (740) 351-3600 or visit: www.portsmouthsymphony.com Dec. 16
"The Tailor of Gloucester" by Theatre IV
What a treat it is to discover a holiday classic by Beatrix Potter. Intended for grades K-5, performance is 60 minutes.
Times: 10 a.m. and noon.
Location: Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, SSU
Cost: $3 per person
Reservations are required for groups 10 or more.
Contact: DeLynn Coppoletti (740) 351-3642 or dcoppoletti@shawnee.edu Dec. 19
"'A Christmas Praise"
Annual Christmas Cantata featuring song, live music and narration by the members of the Sunshine Community Choir.
Day/Times: Friday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Verb Riffe Center for the Arts, SSU
Call for other dates and locations: (606) 932-9329
Dec. 21
"Bringing Christmas Home"
Join the adults, youth, and children of Cornerstone as they present an evening of seasonal music featuring the Children's Choir, contemporary Praise Team, traditional Chancel Choir, adult Hand Bell Choir, soloists, and spoken word as we reflect on Christmas traditions and God becoming human flesh to bring Christmas home to our hearts.
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 808 Offnere St., Portsmouth
Dec. 22
"A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols"
The Second Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir will present the traditional English service, "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" accompanied by a full orchestra under the direction of Stan Workman, Director of Music. Join us in the beautifully decorated sanctuary for this festive service of scripture lessons, carols and anthems of the glorious Christmas Season.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Second Presbyterian Church, 801 Waller St., Portsmouth. No Charge - freewill
offering.
Post a Comment
