Christmas and Candlelight

By photos by Paul Oller and Mark Keith, 12/6/20 8:28 PM

It seems like everything is different in 2020 and Christmas and Candlelight is no different.  This year, instead of tours of the historic structures, the park had the structures decorated with the inside visible from outside.  Many featured people in period costumes on the porches as if to welcome their 19th century Christmas guests.  Musical entertainment was featured on the porches of the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches as well as at the Block House, the porch of Williams Tavern, and the Farmers Market Pavilion.  Williams Tavern was open 11 am until 8pm with limited menu service or a special holiday meal featuring ham or turkey.  Overflow dining was available in the WPA Gym from 5pm to 8pm.

Christmas and Candlelight will be repeated Saturday December 12th from 5pm to 8pm.  Again, Williams Tavern will be open 11am until 8pm and meals will also be served in the 1940 WPA Gym.  Diners eating in the gym will need to bring cash as cards can’t be accepted there but will be at Williams Tavern.

The Night Hawk Band will be featured in the Farmers Market Pavilion Saturday from 5pm to 8pm.  Violinist Brenda Westerbuhr will be performing at the Block House.  There will be music on the porch of the Williams Tavern from 4pm to 6pm.

Washington Methodist Church will feature flutist Jan Whatley and vocalist Haley Leleux on the porch at 5pm.  At 5:45pm the Williams Family of Washington will sing at 5:45pm.  Vocalist Tishara Arnett of Mineral Springs will perform on the Methodist Porch at 7pm and the Hempstead County Melody Boys will perform at 7:15pm.  In between the musical sets, the Silvey Family will offer a live nativity in the Methodist Church yard complete with live music and the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible by Washington resident Dan Ford.

Musical acts on the Presbyterian Church porch will include the Nashville High Saxophone Quartet at 5:45pm, the Cornerstone First Baptist Church Choir of Hope at 6:30pm, and the reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at 7:15pm from Father Christmas.

Those attending are urged to practice social distancing.  The only buildings open will be Williams Tavern, the WPA Gym, and the 1874 Courthouse.  While in a building, persons will need to wear a face mask.

For information phone the park at 870-983-2684 or visit historicwashingtonstatepark.com