Last year, we started the Victorian Celebration as a way to remind people that you didn’t have to go to a mall to do your Christmas shopping.  There are lots of fabulous gifts in the small towns you drive through getting there.

Yes, we do things differently in Sharon Springs.

We encouraged everyone who visited the village that day to dress as if they were in the Victorian era.  There were some amazing costumes, but even a simple ruffled shirt or a bow tie put everyone in the spirit.

With all of the costumed people strolling Main Street exchanging pleasantries, it truly looked like a picture post-card from Sharon Springs’ turn-of-the-century heyday.

So drag out your top hats, your bow ties, your lace (and corsets if you dare) and join us on Dec 3 for a day of small town, friendly fun.  (We’ve already got our costumes picked out).

We guarantee you’ll leave with more friends than you came with.

For those of you with “nothing to wear”,  at the Holiday Farmer’s Market in the old Roseboro Hotel we’ll be selling costume Victorian hats for men and women for a suggested donation of $10.  Proceeds will benefit the victims of the Hurricane Irene flooding as we head into the holiday season.

Sharon Springs Victorian Holiday Celebration on Main Street

December 3, 2011

8:00-12:00

For those early risers, there’s Breakfast at the Firehouse  (including real firemen!) $8.00 per person

9:00-3:00

Sharon Springs Scavenger Hunt.  Pick up a map at the NBT Bank or at Cobbler & Co. and follow the clues to each local business.  Submit your completed entry to the receptionist at the Studio North Dance Studio on Main Street for a drawing to win a gift basket from all of the businesses of Sharon Springs

9:00-6:00

Chris Ottman of Cherry Valley Tincicles (dressed in his customary Victorian garb) will be with Cobbler & Company for an all day demonstration of how he makes his tin icicles and tin stars.  Without the use of power tools Chris twists two perfect tin icicles at a time with each pass of the mechanism he created and developed for just this purpose.  The “tincicles”, as he calls them, last a lifetime  and are sure to be passed from generation to generation. His stars, cut from tin are approximately 5 inches in diameter and are hand punched.  No two designs are exactly alike.  Both the stars and tincicles have a Victorian old-fashioned feel that will enhance the charm and warmth of any home.

9:30-4:00

World-famous Thistle Hill Weavers has woven historic fabrics for some of the biggest movies and films.  Stop by for an up close look at the looms that weave the Beekman 1802 Signature Stripe Scarves.  Click here for directions (about  3 miles outside of the village)

10:00-2:00

Visit the Village Hall Gallery on Main Street for samples of  fine things from Elderberry Herb Farm and a special photography exhibit by pictorialist Lady Ostapeck

10:00-5:00 

Holiday-themed Farmer’s Market in the grand dining room of the Roseboro Hotel.  Check out how some of our finest local craftsmen interpret Christmas

• Kids and adults can tell our Victorian Santa exactly what they want for Christmas and get their holiday portrait taken by The Classic Image (who took the photos of last year’s celebration in the slide show below).  You can get the photo immediately for $10 and proceeds go to benefit the Schoharie County Community Action Program providing holiday support to families still bouncing back from the devastation of Hurricane Irene.  11:00-4:00
• O’ Christmas Tree, O’ Christmas Tree.  Henry Hill Farm brings their Christmas Tree Farm to you!  Freshly-cut trees of all sizes (all you have to do is drag it home!).  You better believe there will be chestnuts roasting on an open fire
• Christmas Carol Karaoke–have a few cups of “Christmas cheer” and then everyone will join in

10:00-5:00

The Sharon Springs Rotary Club hosts a holiday market at their clubhouse (591 State Hwy 20–right as you come into the Village) featuring great gift ideas from area business leaders–some items starting at only $5!!    The Rotary helps to support small businesses that are integral to any community.

10:00-11:00

How would a Victorian family have started their day?  Nutritionist Justin Mendoza presents “The Victorian Diet:  what they ate and what we can learn from it”  (Hint:  Maria likes EVERYTHING about the Victorian era except the food).  This FREE talk will be given at the brand new 204 Main Street Bar & Bistro (right next door to the Mercantile)

11:00-1:00

The Doctor Is In!  Dr. Fonda was the first person to bottle the magical waters in Sharon Springs back in the 1800′s.  Pay a visit to the parlor of the Spring House Spa on Main Street for a FREE consultation with Dr. Fonda.  He’ll write you a prescription for an authentic Victorian-era remedy for whatever malady you may have  (be forewarned:  leeches were used for EVERYTHING)

11:00-11:45

Addy & The Twins (A local group of talented sisters) step out onto the stage at the Holiday Farmer’s Market in the Roseboro Hotel to perform traditional Victorian carols along with original Christmas music, ending their set with some Christmas tunes “Country Style”. If you’ve dragged someone with you who is “bah humbug”, they’ll leave this performance singing a different tune.

12:00-12:15

’twas the night before Christmas dance performance on the porch of the Roseboro featuring children from Sharon Springs and surrounding communities

1:00-1:30

Take a minute away from the holiday festivities to help place the annual Memorial Wreath to remember the fallen and salute those still protecting our American freedom to celebrate in any which way we want.  Circle ’round the flag on the front lawn of the Sharon Springs Central School

1:00-1:15

’twas the night before Christmas dance performance on the porch of the Roseboro featuring children from Sharon Springs and surrounding communities.  Encore performance!

1:00-5:00 (join in at any time)

Stop by the community room at the Sharon Springs Library for FREE crafting.  Make your own Victorian-style greeting cards and tree ornaments (it will be hard to keep Brent away from this)

2:30-2:45

Fa-la-la-la- huh?

Last year saw the world debut of the 10 minute operetta The Mistletoe Mustache written by Sharon Springs’ own Karen Cookson.  Don’t miss it this year!  Take a break from shopping at the Holiday Farmer’s Market and listen in.

3:00-3:30

Addy and the Twins return to the stage for an encore performance

3:00-4:00

Last year the most fun of the entire day was had when everyone came together to learn how to dance.  Victorian dances were done in large groups with alternating partners.

Betty Gavin-Singer opens up her Studio North Dance Studio to us again for FREE lessons.  To learn the most, show up right on time at 3:00 when the lessons begin.

3:00-3:30

Get a rare sneak peak into Klinkhart Hall and hear Doug Plummer recite the story of the Sharon Springs Christmas Chicken and then join Garth Roberts and Austin Jetton for a little Christmas Carol sing-a-long

4:00

Have you been practicing your Model Walk all year?  Now’s the time to strut your stuff—Victorian Style.  It’s the Best Victorian Costume Parade and Contest on the porch-cum-runway of 204 Main Street Bar & Bistro.  One prize will be awarded to the best lady and best gent costume.

5:00

The Sharon Springs Rotary club invites you to their lighting of The Town Christmas Tree.  Communal caroling, FREE hot chocolate and warm apple cider

5:30-8:00

Sharon Springs Arts Council invites you to get up close and personal with world-class classical guitarist, Harry George Pellegrin at the beautiful Victorian-era New York House on Center Street. Wine and Cheese.  Suggested donation of $5 to support the Arts Council

Check back to this page frequently for updates and additions to the festivities