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Over the River…
No matter how busy the season, there are always warm traditions within our communities to remind us of the ‘reason for the season.’ Take the time to check out the following schedule. Contact the listed number if you need more information or check the calendar of events on the website. (For Havre de Grace events go to the Lockhouse to Lighthouse feature page)

Tree Lighting
Dec. 4 - Perryville: The Holly Tree Lighting Ceremony for the B&O Railroad’s Travelers Christmas Tree will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4th from 4-6 p.m. You can find this tree at Holly Tree Park, off Jackson Station Road in Perryville. (This is just off Route 40.) There’s a great history with the tree and you’ll be able to learn all about it at the park.

Dec. 5 - Perryville’s Lighting of the Town Christmas Tree takes place Sunday, December 5th at the corner of Roundhouse Drive and Broad Streets (Next to Rodger’s Tavern). Beginning at 4:30 til 6 p.m., you can join in the caroling and the lighting of the tree.

Dec. 7 - Rising Sun: On December 7th, the Rising Sun Community Carol Sing will take place in the Center Square. Enjoy songs, Santa and refreshments with friends and family as you welcome the season. Be sure to bring a canned good for the needy. Info? Call 410-658-5353

Open Houses and Candlelight Tours:
There’s nothing more exciting than to visit beautifully decorated homes and museums for the holidays.

Dec. 4 - Port Deposit: Their annual Candlelight Tour, sponsored by the Port Deposit Heritage Corporation, celebrates the community’s history. Tickets cost $10. Call 410-378-4480 for information. The Civil War period is the theme for the tour. Fine china, period clothing, musical performances all add to the thrill of seeing the homes. It’s a full day of festivities. Here’s the schedule:

9a – 3p The Lion’s Club Festival takes place at 99 N. Main Street. Enjoy soup, poinsettias and even Santa! Check out Nesbitt Hall at 100 N. Main Street. If you need more info, call 410-378-3196.

11a – noon is the signing of the book, “Snowballs Chance” with author Erika Quesenbery, Curator of the Paw Paw Museum at 98 N. Main Street. The book gives a detailed history of Snow’s Battery B, 1st Maryland Light Artillery, from the Civil War era. It’s a well-documented book with many photos. While you visit with Erika be sure to browse the museum’s fine exhibits. It’s an impressive display of history for this unique community.

Noon – 2p there is a booksigning for “Lighthouse Views” with author Mary Martin. This takes place at 75 N. Main Street. This wonderful book examines the postcard keepsakes that lighthouse lovers have collected since the turn of the 20th century. All proceeds from these book sales go to the Harford County Boys & Girls Club.

Both of the above authors are well known in the area. Be sure to stop by, purchase their books, get their signatures, and warm them with a cheery holiday greeting.

Noon – 4p crafters and vendors will exhibit at the Lions Club Annual Christmas Festival taking place at 99 N. Main Street.

Also from noon – 4p Chicken and Fish Dinners will be available to purchase at the Bethel AME Church located at 196 N. Main Street.

1 – 2p Peabody trained, Thomas Smith provides a solo organ performance at the Tome Memorial Methodist Church at 100 N. Main Street. He will present works of Bach, Brahms, Guilmant and Willan.

1 – 3p you can treat the kids to Santa at the Bank Building at 6 S. Main Street.

2p Erika Quesenbery will be available at 20 S. Main Street for another book signing of “Snowballs Chance.”

2 – 3p at the First Baptist Church (282 N. Main Street) you can “Celebrate 100 years as the First Baptist Church” with their choir performance.

3p offers a Civil War Re-enactment at 48 S. Main Street. There will also be Main Street Guided Tours of the town beginning at 98 N. Main or 64 S. Main.

3:30p you may want to attend the Dedication of Civil War Trails at the municipal parking lot near D’Lorenzo’s Pizza.

But the activities don’t stop yet.

4 – 5p is a Piano Concerto by Peabody trained, Roberto Vela at the Port Deposit Presbyterian Church at 44 S. Main Street. In his solo piano recital, pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt and Bolcom will be offered.

5p - Main Street Guided Tours of the town beginning at 98 N. Main or 64 S. Main.

5 – 6p offers a 3rd opportunity for the book signing of “Snowballs Chance” by author Erika Quesenbery. This will take place at 48 S. Main Street.

Closing ceremonies will take place at 6:15p at the bank building at 6 S. Main Street. Don’t miss the Irish Jasper Greens performing at C.M. Tugs, 10 S. Main Street. They’ll begin at 7p offering you traditional Irish music and a couple surprises. A great way to relax at the end of a very enjoyable day.

Dec. 11 – Fair Hill Stables: On December 11th they’ll offer hayrides that leave at 1p or 2:30p. from Fair Hill Stables off Route 273, entrance 3, in Fair Hill, MD. For details or directions, visit the website: www.fairwindsstables.com or call 410-658-8187.

Dec. 19 – Tailwinds Farm in North East: Looking for a couple unique ways to enjoy the season. Consider a short ride to Tailwinds Farm (www.fairwindsstables.com) located off Route 272 (just north of the I-95 exit 100) heading towards Rising Sun about 4 miles from the interstate. On Sunday, December 19th, from 6 – 8p, visit their live nativity. Enter the stable and listen to the music while you hear the story of the First Christmas. Bible characters will be in costume and a variety of animals will take part. Shhh… if you listen closely, maybe you’ll hear the animals talk…. Donations are appreciated.

Christmas Eve: Port Deposit - Now although it may seem that you can’t squeeze any more fun things into your busy holiday season, you may want to slow down and enjoy a Christmas Eve Sing Along with the Port Deposit Lions Club. Beginning at 7p in the Town Square, join in the caroling as the youngsters await Santa’s arrival. Join them at the town Christmas Tree. For info, call 410-378-9136.

Of course, we encourage you to attend one of the many Christmas programs at all the churches in the area. Take the time to remember the meaning of the holiday, to say a prayer for our loved ones, for our soldiers in the midst of danger and away from home, and for peace to come to everyone!

Happy New Year 2005!

If I’ve missed anything, I apologize. There’s no doubt about it. There’s something for everyone during the holiday season. Check out the calendar. Make a phone call to verify information if you need. And join us for a great season. Happy Holidays to You!