(Cazenovia, NY – Dec. 2013) The seasonal sounds and joy of “Christmas at Lorenzo” will once again be filling the air in Cazenovia this holiday season, and The Friends of Lorenzo will kick off the festivities with their annual fundraising “Preview Party” for members and guests on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.
“Candlelight Night” will then be featured on Friday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m., and the celebration will then continue on both Saturday and Sunday, the 7th and 8th of December from 1 to 4 p.m.
Weekday tours of the Mansion throughout December will also be available, by advance reservation only, for groups of 12 or more.
With generous program support from The Friends of Lorenzo and the artistry of volunteer decorators, “Christmas Around the World” has been designated as this year’s theme by program co-chairs: Lisa Brownback, Jenny Coughlin and Katherine Huftalen. And in the holiday spirit of giving, more than 30 dedicated volunteer docents will be assisting Lorenzo staff with tours throughout December.
Inspired decorations have been made possible by Dan McCann of Five Seasons (Fayetteville), Marlene Burrell of Flowers on Main (Cazenovia), Susan Anthony, Nancy and Elizabeth Whiting, Karen Hill, Sara Mitchell, Beverly Merola and Jessica Johnson, Terry Crammer and Gary Johnson, Wendy Van Der Bogart, J D Hunter/home (Cazenovia) and Jill Gates.
Festive greenery and decorations throughout the site have also been provided by The Cazenovia Garden Club.
A favorite among patrons, sleigh rides by Lamplit Farms (weather permitting) will also be offered and wassail and holiday treats will be served daily in the kitchen during the Dec. 6 to 8 hours.
According to co-chair Jenny Coughlin, “we rely on extensive community support for a program of this scale, and it is so rewarding to showcase the elegant home of Cazenovia’s founding family.”
During the weekend activities, Friday evening’s “Christmas by Candlelight” will feature the harmonic sounds of the Belle Aire Handbell Trio; the John Rohde Jazz Trio will delight visitors with American holiday standards on Saturday; and the Bells and Motley Consort will offer the sounds of a “Merry Olde Christmas” on Sunday. The Friends of Lorenzo will also host a holiday open house on Sunday at the Rippleton Schoolhouse where refreshments will be served and guests will be able to roll and take home beeswax candles; the Lorenzo Driving Competition will sponsor Lamplit Farms sleigh rides to and from the schoolhouse on Sunday.
Also throughout the weekend hours, students from the Cazenovia High School music department, harpist Ursula Kwasnicka and an a cappella group of local junior high students will be offering entertainment in the visitor center.
A vast array of distinctive gift-giving items is available for purchase at the museum gift shop throughout “Christmas at Lorenzo” hours, and all purchases benefit the many programs and activities at Lorenzo.
An admission price of $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under is charged for a holiday tour of Lorenzo.
For more information about “Christmas at Lorenzo” activities, tickets to The Friends of Lorenzo fundraising “Preview Party” on Dec. 3, and weekday group tours, please call (315) 655-3200 or visit www.lorenzoNY.org.