Location: Salem Willows, Salem, MA (about 30 minutes northeast of Boston or 1 hour southeast of Concord, NH)
Cost: Free
Parking: There are several parking lots in the Salem Willows area
Universally Accessible: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Summary: Antique cars, people dressed and vintage wear and music from a bygone era were in abundance at the Salem Vintage Lawn party.
If you yearn for a simpler time before social media, phones and Kardashians, then the Vintage Lawn Party in Salem, MA, is a must see!
The lawn party, which began in 2018, then took a break due to Covid, was back in full swing earlier this month.
From vintages dresses to fashionable headwear, people came dressed in their best 1920s wear.
Of course, I couldn’t resist adjusting my settings in post production and using sepia, black and white and other photo settings to bring the true feel of that era to life and to give them an aged feel.
Dancers from all ages and skill levels were welcome to the event.
Annie and the Fur Traders provided vintage music from an earlier era.
There were also antique cars and pop up shops selling items from an earlier era.
Now that the event has passed, we’ve all gone back to the modern world. But it’s always fun to take a step back in time!
Annie and the Fur Traders performing at the Vintage Lawn Party
Beeps, pylons and eye masks may not be the first things you think of when you think of baseball. But they are some of the key components to Adaptive Sports Beep baseball or baseball for the blind. But there are so many more elements to the game. In fact, beep baseball has many rules from the amount of fielders to the number of innings that differentiate it from traditional baseball.
Each team has 6 fielders including a first base and third base fielder, a shortstop, a left fielder, a right fielder, and a center fielder. A player is ruled out if one of these fielders controls the ball before the hitter makes it to a base. And each game generally lasts 6 innings, although the game I went to was only 3 innings.
Each team has a pitcher designated to them. While the exact protocol may differ from each league or organization, generally the pitcher says “Ready…set…pitch” or a variation of this series of words to let the batter know a pitch is on it’s way. According to Joe Quintanilla, a captain for Boston Strong, one of the 29 teams in the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA), a hitter will often wait for the “pi” in the beginning of the word “pitch” to for his or her swing. While the beeping is of the ball is important for the fielders to locate the ball, it may be less important for the hitter’s swing.
Both hitters and fielders wear eye masks when they play and no applause or cheering is allowed during plays or during at bats as it may interfere with the ability of the hitters and fielders to hear the ball or the beeping of the base they will have to run to. The hitters are allowed up to 4 strikes and while they can take pitches for balls there are no walks in the game. Each team is allowed 3 outs each time they come up to bat. Timing, experience and dexterity are key to making contact.
After hitting the ball, hitters can run to either first or third base, which are located 100 ft from home plate, depending on where the ball is hit. A nearly 5 ft blue base buzzes when a ball is hit near it and the runner runs to that particular base as long as the ball travels 40 feet (otherwise it is considered a foul ball). Each pylon is wired to a controller that cause it to beep when a fair ball is hit near it. If the hitter makes it to the base before the ball is fielded and controlled by a fielder it is ruled a run. If he or she does not make it to the base before the ball is controlled by a fielder, he or she is out. There are “spotters” who help guide the hitters if they go out of the base paths. Also, if the hitter doesn’t make it to the base in 30 seconds he or she is ruled out. If a batted ball travels at least 170 ft in the air over fair territory before settling, it is, upon declaration of the umpire considered a home run.
The fielders rely on the beeping off the ball, skill, instinct, experience and team work to locate the ball and record an out.
You may see in the photo below there are little holes on the side of the ball where the beeping sounds emit from.
During the game, you may see players positioning the bat against home plate. This is done to help orient the batter so they can have a better feeling for where they are positioned.
The coaches, volunteers and teammates have strong bonds with each other, support each other and they even make sure to add humor and sportsmanship to the games, even playing and singing “Sweet Caroline” during the 7th inning (in this case 3rd inning stretch)
The Boston Strong team won, with team captain Joe Quintanilla fielding the game ending out. But it was a nail biter to the end!
Beep baseball’s beginnings can be traced back to 1964 when an engineer for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company named Charlie Fairbanks heard the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind needed ball to play sports with. Although footballs had been made with bells attached to them, there weren’t any baseballs that could be used effectively for visual impairments. But, this didn’t deter Fairbanks. After experimenting with various components, Fairbanks ended up using spare telephone parts to use as the inner components for the baseball. After Charlie would deconstruct softballs and add the appropriate parts. his wife, Vi, would stitch the balls together. Since then, the baseball and the game has gone through a lot of transformations. And it’s more popular than ever.
Below are some highlights from the Beep baseball event.
Date Of Event: July, 8, 2023 (usually held the second Saturday in July)
Location: Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI (1 hour south of Providence, RI or 1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Parking: There is abundant free parking
Dog Friendly: Yes
Universally Accessible: Yes
Summary: People from all over New England and farther came to Brenton Point to fly or view the many kites at the Newport Kite Festival.
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Oh it’s just the 2023 Newport kite festival!
Kites of all shapes, colors and meaning could be seen flying through the air at Brenton Point.
Because of its location along the coast, Brenton Point offers scenic views and the perfect conditions for flying kites.
Each year since 2006, kite fliers and fans of kites have come to Brenton Point to fly and view dozens of kites at the most southern tip of Newport, Rhode Island. But, the history of the event goes back even longer.
From 1982 until 2005, the “High Flyers Flight Co” led by Sue Moskowitz and Steve Santos, coordinated a kite flying get together. But, for unknown reasons, the event stopped in 2006. But, that did not stop kite flyers from congregating and flying their kites. For the next 2 years the kite flying events took place off and on. Then, in 2009, Kitt Kites took over the event and it has flourished since.
Now, you can see kites from all over the country and the world for that matter.
One of the other great things about this event was that people of all ages and backgrounds could participate and enjoy the kites.
There weren’t just kites at the kites festival, though. A dj, event announcer and special events.
These kids were participating in a race in which they had to pull a kite.
And, yes, even dogs like kites! Since the Newport Kite Festival is dog friendly. Buck, an 11 week old Blue Heel terrier, decided to stop by!
Beaches aren’t the only place to find sand sculptures! Thirty two sand sculptures have been sculpted and set up throughout the city of Yarmouth, MA.
FitzySnowman has sculpted all of the sand sculptures all with a summer, beach or Cape Cod feel to them.
Since it has rained so much, some of the sand sculptures were damaged. But, most of the sculptures held up ok. Only two of the sand sculptures were damaged beyond recognition. Which isn’t too bad considering all of the rain we had been getting in June. Although you can visit them in any order, I will list the sand sculptures in the order I visited them. The first, of course, is located at the Visitor Center on Route 6.
Visitor Center, Route 6
Spongebob and Patrick seem to be popular characters for the sand sculptures each year.
Just Picked Gifts – 13 Willow St, Yarmouth Port
The Cooperative Bank Of Cape Cod – 121 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port. I’ve heard of a safe cracker. But, a squid cracker? That’s a first!
Voila! Designs By Frederique – 169 Main St #6A, Yarmouth Port. As you can see by this photo and other photos of the sand sculptures, the backgrounds and accessories added to the sand sculptures really make the sculptures stand out! And at least one of the sand sculptures is lit up during the evening.
Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port
Winslow Crocker House – 250 Route 6A, Old King’s Highway, Yarmouth Port
Bass River Rod & Gun Club – 620 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port
Kinlin Grover – 927 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port. Some of the businesses always have the same kind of sculptures each year. This particular real estate company always has a sand castle on their property. I like this. It gives some routine and stability in an otherwise at times unstable world.
Taylor Bray Farm – 108 Bray Farm Rd North Yarmouth Port
When you do stop this sand sculpture make sure to stop by the farm and check out the animals on the farm!
Bay Berry Golf Course – 635 W Yarmouth Rd, W. Yarmouth
Cape Cod 5 – 514 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth
Today Real Estate – 487 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth – This sand sculpture was demolished due to the elements.
Dunkin’ Donuts – 436 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth
Rockland Trust Bank – 428 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth
Bass River Golf Course – 62 Highbank Rd, S. Yarmouth
Cape Cod Creamery – 1199 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
Yarmouth Town Hall – 1146 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
Dunkin’ Donuts – 1050 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
Seafood Sam’s – 1006 Route 28, S. Yarmouth. This sand sculpture makes me hungry since this is usually the half way point where we take a break and have lunch!
Cand Co – 975 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
The Pancake Man – 952 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
John G Sears & Son – 221 Old Main St, S. Yarmouth
Freebird Motor Lodge – 553 Route 28, w. Yarmouth
Holiday Vacation Condominiums – 488 Main St, W. Yarmouth
Route 28 Visitor Center – 424 Route 28, W. Yarmouth
Laer Realty Partners – 411 Route 28, W. Yarmouth
Bellew Tire & Marble – 280 Main St, Yarmouth
Sunbird Cape Cod Resort – 216 Main St, W. Yarmouth
The Cove at Yarmouth – 183 Main St, W. Yarmouth
Cape Sands Inn – 149 Main St Route 28, W. Yarmouth
Putters Paradise Mini Golf – 119 Route 28, W. Yarmouth
The sand sculpture at Hampton Inn & Suites – 99 Main St Route 28, W. Yarmouth was too damaged by the elements to be photographed
While the sand sculpture trail is a fun, family friendly experience, please do keep in mind it does require traveling through the Cape during peak season! I always figure it will take a “few hours” and yet after 4 hours I am still photographing sand sculptures. But, if you’re just driving by or looking at them it should be quicker than that.
You can’t throw a rock, or a bagel for that matter, in Massachusetts without hitting a Dunkin Donuts. But, among all of these coffee shops, there’s a special one in Quincy, MA.
Like many successful companies, the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise had humble beginnings.
The origins of what would become Dunkin’ Donuts began during World War II when a shipyard worker decided to provide food options for his co-workers. William Rosenberg, a worker at the Fore River Shipyard based on the Quincy and Weymouth areas, noticed there weren’t many eating options for his coworkers and himself at the time. While this is far from the case now, Quincy did not have a wide variety of dining options.
Initially, William opened the “Industrial Luncheon Services” with a $1,000 loan and another $1,500 start up money. “Industrial Luncheon Services” was a a food truck that sold sandwiches, coffee, doughnuts, and other snacks.
William noticed that at least 50% of the food and drinks he sold were doughnuts and coffee. So, William decided to start a food business that focused on these foods and renamed his business “Open Kettle.”
Eventually, in 1950, William would open a brick and mortar store at its current location, 543 Southern Artery. After noticing many of his customers dunked their doughnuts in their coffee, William changed the name of his shop to “Dunkin’ Donuts.”
While many of the Dunkin’ Donuts coffee shops updated their decor and designs, the Dunkin’ Donuts on Southern Artery went in another direction. In December, 2011, the shop was “retro-renovated” to honor its original look.
From the original outside design to the indoor decor, the shop on Southern Artery transformed to a coffee shop from back in time.
The interior of the Dunkin’ Donuts has a mural of a photo of the original Dunkin Donuts and a display of the various logos the company has used over the years.
While the logos, design, dining options and decor may have changed at many of the coffee shops, one things remain clear; New Englanders still love their Dunkin’ Donuts.
New England has a long history of sea faring servicemen and women. Tragically, some of these people were lost to the sea.
These people may have been lost but they are not forgotten. Certainly not by the people of Hampton, New Hampshire or the people who visit the New Hampshire Marine Memorial.
Each year, thousands of people take selfies, admire the beauty of the statue or sit on the bench at the memorial.
I took these photos of the memorial on two different days. The first set of photos were taking after I took photos of the sand sculptures from this year’s Sand Sculpting Classic at Hampton Beach and the second set were taken on June 25. Since there are usually crowds there, I went early to avoid the crowds and to get the photos with the serene morning light.
Dedicated to all New Hampshire servicepersons lost at sea due to warfare, the New Hampshire Marine Memorial is a mid-sized statue of New England granite on a tiered granite base. A woman holding a wreath casts her gaze along the water.
Inscribed on the upper (middle) step is the phrase BREATHE SOFT, YE WINDS, YE WAVES IN SILENCE REST. These words are from a poem by John Gay, written in 1714, in his “An Epistle to a Lady.”
Originally, 248 names in 10 rows were added to the back of the memorial with the state seal at each end. Sadly, over time, names have been added. The last name added was on Aug 6, 2022 when Marine Cpl. Jonathan Currier’s name was added to the monument. The 21 year old Cpl. Currier, from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, went overboard in the Sulu Sea off the Philippine coast on Aug. 9, 2018.
What few people may know is the memorial didn’t start out as a memorial. What would become one of the most recognizable memorials in New Hampshire, if not New England, originally began as a grave marker.
William E. Downs of Manchester, NH, had inquired see if the federal government would furnish a grave marker for his son, Captain William D Downs, who was buried at sea May 25, 1945. Little did he know at the time his request would result in such a well known memorial for all service people lost at sea. The memorial would go on to become a memorial to all New Hampshire sons and daughters lost or buried at sea during World War II. In fact, it would go on to remember those lost after World War II.
However, the quest to get the memorial built was a long one. Initially, Downs’ request to have a grave marker built was denied. But Downs did not give up. After many proposals, such as placing the memorial at “Pulpit Rock” at Rye Beach and, after that proposal fell through, “Ragged Neck” at Rye Harbor, Downs was able to gain the support of a memorial from Governor Sherman Adams in 1950. Eventually, the then Governor Hugh Gregg agreed to have the memorial built at Hampton Beach. The statue was dedicated on May 30, 1957 (fittingly Memorial Day). On Veterans Day, 1970, the American Legion Post 35 of the Hamptons, dedicated two flag poles at the monument, which fly the American and state flags.
As you can tell by the events and actions outlined below, there were a lot of people involved in the creation of this memorial.
A design by Concord (NH) resident Alice E. Cosgrove was approved for the 12 foot statue.
Cambridge, Massachusetts sculptor, Teodors Uzarins, was commissioned to model the life-size statue in clay at the Caproni Galleries in Boston. Uzarins, worked closely with Alice, to produce the features that everyone who has seen it remembers.
A 24-ton granite block from Swenson’s Granite Quarries of Concord to sculpt the memorial. That 24 ton granite block was then shipped to Barre, Vermont where it was shaped. It was then sent to Hampton after 17 tons of that block had been removed by Italian artisan, Vincenzo Andreani of Marr and Gordon, Inc., Granite Works. Andreani used a plaster cast of the lady in the memorial for point-by-point measurements.
All of this hard work paid off, as the memorial is not only a respectful tribute to those who have served the country honorably. It is also one of the most recognizable sculptures in New Hampshire.
Click on the link below to see my photos on my Facebook page
Summary: Ten sand sculptors put their talent to the test in the 23rd annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic. The sculptures will be available to be viewed until Sunday, June 25 and they are lit up at night
It’s amazing what you can do with sand, especially if you are one of the gifted artists at the Hampton Sand Sculpting Classic.
The sand sculpting event, which took place June 15-17, attracts world renown sculptors from all over the United States and abroad. But, if you pay attention to the event or visit the competition, you may notice some familiar names as many of the artists compete in the event each year. In fact, one of the persons instrumental in the creation of the event, Greg Grady, has competed each year since its inception in 2000.
Some fun facts about the sculptures: 200 tons of sand is imported for the sand sculptors to use for their own sculptures and for the main design. Those sticks on tops of the sculptors you may see in some of the photos are not for artistic value – they are used to prevent birds from landing on the sculptures. And each sculptor is given 10 tons of sand to make their work of art.
Each year, the sand sculpting classic has a different theme. All of the sculptors work together to make the sculptures in the centerpiece design. Some of the themes in previous competitions were “The Greatest Show In Sand” (in 2022) and Sand, Sun and Fun in 2021″ (in 2021 of course). This year’s theme is “The Sand Before Time” with a nod to the Old Man of the Mountain (I had a hard time finding it too).
Although it’s good to see teamwork, this is a competition after all. Each sculptor had 3 (or more like 2 and a half) days to make their sand sculptures. From Thu morning until Saturday afternoon the sculptors toiled away, despite some inclement weather. But, despite the wind and rain they carried on.
The sculptures are listed below in the order they are located. Whenever possible, the meaning or other information about the sculptures are included in the description. The information and quotes were found on the Hampton Beach Facebook page and various new stories.
Rusty’s inspiration for this sculpture came from unexpected source; Audible. He said he enjoys listening to audio books. He went on to say how the immersion of a story or music can take you out and how you can be encapsulated by these different mediums, especially when you listen with noise cancelling headphones. This experience of listening to words or music can be immersive to your ears eyes and mind. Rusty also mentioned how the piece shows, “how your mind doesn’t need your eyes to see a vision sometimes, it’s just the audio. The sound comes through without them.” He also made a joke about how he ironically lost his own earbuds in the sand while making this work of art.
“The Devil In The Details” – Chris Guinto (Captain Cook, Hawaii) – Governor’s Choice Award
Chris Guinto secured a spot in next year’s competition by winning the Governor’s Choice award, perhaps not so ironically, with his sculpture “The Devil In The Details.”
“Love Is A Universal Temple” – Melineige Beauregard (Captain Cook, Hawaii) 1st Place Winner & People’s Choice Winner
Melineige, who won first place last year, snagged first place this year as well for her sculpture “Love Is A Universal Temple.” It is also the third time in four years she has won first place in this competition.
Melineige said the sculpture, which shows a mother and child embracing in the shape of a cathedral, was about ” “the feeling of being in love, whether it’s human or animal,” Beauregard said. “It’s very sacred. It is its own temple by itself.”
For her efforts, Melineige was awarded $6,000 for first place and another $1,000 for the People’s Choice Award.
“Obsolete” – Carl Jara (Lyndhurst, Ohio) Third Place
Carl, another familiar face at the competition, won third place for his effort “Obsolete.”
Carl said his sculpture was based on being old and obsolete and was “something of a vulnerable piece” for him. Carl went on to say he has been sculpting for 32 years and sculpting at this event for 23 years (every year it has been held) and he’s seen the progression and change over the years.
“For an old guy like me, you know with years of experience…I don’t have time to innovate again. I feel sometimes a little obsolete,” Carl said explaining his sculpture. He also stated this “old God” feels these same feelings of being obsolete as there are no “new god’s” and, out of sheer frustration, he has thrown his six pack into the TV monitor while he sits on his lounge chair with his fast food or chips by his side.
“Futurism: Man’s Best Friend 2.oh-no” – Greg Grady (New Hampshire)
At this risk of dating myself, all I could think of when I saw this sculpture was Muffet (the dog from the TV show Buck Rogers). If you get that reference, it may be time to join AARP.
“Ascent” – Bruce Phillips (California) Fourth place (tie)
Bruce Phillips said this sculpture is about how Artificial intelligence is basically replacing free thought.
His sculpture tied for 4th place with the next sculpture.
Karen tied for 4th place with her “Raptor Ryder”. Karen said the inspiration for this sculpture was based on two of her favorite things and was tied into the “Sand Before Time” theme. “Heavy metal and dinosaurs, two of my favorite things” she explained.
“Guardian Of Her Dreams” – Matthew Deibert (New Jersey)
Matthew Deibert, a retired Atlantic City firefighter captain who has been competing in sand sculpting competitions since 1999, made his debut at this competition this year. His piece “Guardian of Her Dreams” depicts a young girl sleeping in bed with her teddy bear, sword in hand, protecting her from nightmares.
“The Struggles We Face”- Josh Gordon (Massachusetts)
Another familiar face at the competition, Josh Gordon, created the sculpture “The Struggles We Face.”
“Dave Is Here” – Abe Waterman (Prince Edward Island) Second place & Sculptor’s Choice Award
Abe’s sculpture was a tribute to another sculptor, Dave Andrews.
Abe said he made this sculpture in honor of fellow sand sculptor David Andrews who had previously competed in the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting competition. Sadly, David passed away last year. Abe said the sculpture is for David, “but it’s also for all of us.” He went on to say “David was an incredible guy and sculptor.”
This sculpture of Andrews also won the Sculptors Choice Award, voted on by those competing in the contest.
The sand sculptures are expected to remain up until Sunday, June 25. Then, they will be taken down. They will also be lit up at night for evening viewing.
Date Of Visit: May 5, 2024 (this event has ended. It was scheduled from April 22 to May 16)
Location: Naumkeag, Trustees, 5 Prospect Hill Rd Stockbridge, MA
Cost: $15 for non-member adults ($9 for members) on weekdays and $20 for non-member adults ($12 for members) on weekends. Tickets for children cost $5 each ($3 for members) no matter the day, and admission for children younger than two is free. Tickets are sold for timed entry and must be purchased online; Tickets were sold in a time based entry system.
Parking: Free parking is available on site with a nearby overflow lot
What better way to celebrate the beginning of spring than walking along the 8 acre gardens of the Naumkeag (pronounced “Nom-keeg”) estate? More than 130,000 colorful tulips, daisies and minor bulbs greeted the visitors at the garden of Naumkeag.
My 24 mm prime lens and 18-400 mm telephoto lenses helped me get some really great bokeh (background blur) in the photos accentuating the beauty of the flowers. It didn’t hurt that the flowers were arranged in a such a pretty array of colors.
There were also some beautiful backgrounds at Naumkeag that provided some beautiful photo opportunities.
I could spend all day photographing these beautiful displays of flowers!
While the daffodils and tulips and other flowers were the main attraction at the event, there were other pretty and impressive statues and structures at Naumkeag. And, yes, those are bubbles at one of the statues there!
There were also models of eggs that looked like larger versions of the eggs birds lay with the name of the bird that lays them.
The “summer cottage” at Naumkeag was bult in 1884 when Joseph Choate, a prominent New York attorney and U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, and his wife, Caroline hired an architect to build the 44 room home. Tours are available on the first floor and, of course, you can purchase items in the gift shop also on the first floor.
There are additional events during the fall and winter seasons at Naumkeag. You can check out there website for more information.
Date Of Event: February 11, 2023 (usually held annually the weekend of or before Valentine’s Day)
Location Downton Salem, MA
Cost: Free
Summary: In addition to the 24 ice sculptures that were placed around the downtown Salem area, there were festivities and activities for all to enjoy
It was that time of the year when throngs of people descend upon Salem, MA. No, I’m not referring to the Halloween season.
The Salem’s So Sweet ice sculpture event is quickly becoming one of the biggest events in the city. It’s also a great example of how Salem has become a place to visit throughout the year.
Originally, 28 sculptures were expected to be displayed. But, only 24 sculptures made it to the city.
Due to the weather conditions, it was unseasonably mild during the day, and the sun beating down on them, some of the sculptures were a little worse for the wear by the time I got to photograph them. I also like to photograph after they are lighted at 5 pm.
I was able to use my 24 mm prime lens that has an aperture of 1.4 at its lowest (most open) setting. So I didn’t have to use a tripod, although it did get a little tricky the darker it became.
I am listing them in the numerical order they were listed on their map. Also, the lights on some of the sculptures changed colors and some of the sculptures had special guests posing with them. I have also included photos of some of the sculptures when they were not lighted and when they were lighted to show the difference in the appearance of the sculptures
1Sacred Heart
2 Blackcraft’s Nydia
3 Crystal Snowflake
4 The Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University
5 Crescent Moon Disco
6 Fish
7 Dog(and dog posing like the dog ice sculpture). The cute dog modeling for me is Grizzly, a 4 year old Bloodhound.
8 Diamond
9 Love You Evermore
10 Tooth
11 Hocus Pocus
12 Salem’s So Sweet Showcase
13 Lego Minifigure Zeke, a one year old Pyrenees and Komondor mix, was a good boy and posed for this photo for me!
14 Year Of The Rabbit
15 Cat – not available
16 Snail – not available
17 Skeleton Snowman
18 Rose
19 Gummi Bear
20 Cinderella’s Carriage
21 Pawprint
22 Dragonfly – not available
23 Peace Love & Music
24 Crystal Ball
25 Ancestry Days Tree
26 Shooting Stars
27 Seahorse
28 Polar Bear – not available (I really would have liked to see that one!)
There were also additional lights and decorative displays throughout the city. This house on Derby St (some of you know the one) is usually lit up for many of the holidays and special events
And there were these cute decorations
But, this event had so much more than pretty sculptures and decorations. In the Salem Visitors Center there was a desk set up for visitors to make Valentines for the city of Salem or for their own personal reasons.
And, if that wasn’t enough, there were warming stations, colorfully dressed guides to help you find the sculptures, a surprise movie star, a band and other activities to entertain the visitors
There was also a special activity for people of all ages to participate in called Brighter Ignite. Brighter Ignite is an illuminated traveling exhibit that encourages people to connect, engage and play. Inspired by the courage of the Maccabees in the story of Hanukkah, the exhibit was designed by artist Tova Speter. Brighter Ignited activates the light from the community and encourages us to explore how we too can stand up for what we believe in.
Below are some videos from the event. I wanted to illustrate just how pretty the sculptures looked as the changed colors!
Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 29 Stallion Hill Road, Sturbridge, MA
Hours: Held annually, November 25, 26, 27, and December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30. Christmas by Candlelight runs from 2:00 – 8:00 pm.
Cost: $32 for adults and $16 for youth (4-17)
Parking: Free ample parking is available on site
Summary Houses are decorated in traditional style while period style actors bake, make ornaments, play musical instruments of the day and tell stories of days of yore.
Have you ever wondered how some of the earlier settlers of New England celebrated the holidays? Then Old Sturbridge Village has just the thing for you.
Luckily, you can see see an accurate display of how New Englanders celebrated Christmas during the 1830s, 1850s and 1870s (except for bonuses like having indoor plumbing and electricity in homes and other modern day comforts) at their Christmas By Candlelight event. One of the biggest attractions is the Center Meeting House, especially during the evening.
The Center Meeting house was used for meetings, elections and sermons. During my visit they were playing music at the Meeting House.
Many other homes were also decorated for the event.
Everything from the furniture and the way the curtains were hung was true to that era, Even the character actors were dressed in clothing of that time.
This worker at Sturbridge was making stockings
As the light was waning and I didn’t want to use a flash in this environment, even though it would have helped bring out some of the features of the people and the settings, I used a prime lens with a low aperture so I could photograph in the low light conditions.
There were also people making decorations, knitting hats and baking holiday treats
There were also musicians performing traditional holiday music
As the sun set on Sturbridge Village, I was able to capture
In case you got cold, there were open fires for people to warm up
Sturbridge Village also showcased acres of lights and decorations
But not all of the lights were on trees and houses. Visitors also wore festive lights to get in the spirit of the event!
Each year Sturbridge Village holds a gingerbread home contest. They have showcased some incredible works in the past and this year was no different. It was a nice way to end the visit
New England Nomad 