{"id":33654,"date":"2020-01-17T09:24:15","date_gmt":"2020-01-17T14:24:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=33654"},"modified":"2020-01-17T09:24:19","modified_gmt":"2020-01-17T14:24:19","slug":"what-to-do-snow-what-snow-orchids-are-in-bloom-at-longwood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=33654","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Snow? What snow? Orchids are in bloom at Longwood"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Longwood Gardens<\/p><\/div>\n

Every year when January arrives, Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/i><\/a>) celebrates one of the largest families of plants in the world.<\/p>\n

If you did a Google search to find out which are the largest families of flowering plants in the world, this is the answer you\u2019d receive \u2013<\/p>\n

The three largest flowering plant families containing the greatest number of species are the sunflower family (Asteraceae) with about 24,000 species, the orchid family (Orchidaceae) with about 20,000 species, and the legume or pea family (Fabaceae) with 18,000 species.<\/p>\n

The orchid is a flower that is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful, delicate and graceful flowers in the world. The Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew list more than 20,000 accepted species with about 800 new species added each year. Additionally, horticulturists have more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars.<\/p>\n

Longwood celebrates the orchid each year with its ultra-popular \u201cOrchid Extravaganza\u201d — an annual event that opens this year on January 18 and continues through March 24.<\/p>\n

The celebration of the orchid species features thousands of orchid blooms along with a variety of displays and special exhibits throughout its four-acre conservatory. \u201cOrchid Extravaganza\u201d will also feature stunning displays of orchids in planting beds, containers and innovative exhibits.<\/p>\n

As one of the first plant collections at Longwood, orchids have held a place of distinction since 1922.<\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to escape to a balmy oasis filled with nearly 5,000 blooming orchids during Orchid Extravaganza. Longwood\u2019s heated four-acre Conservatory provides an escape from winter\u2019s chill and features thousands of colorful orchid blooms displayed in extraordinary ways.<\/p>\n

In addition to the one-of-a-kind horticultural display, Orchid Extravaganza features activities and programs for the entire family, including concerts, talks, tours, OrKid Days, and more. The Gardens are open daily from 9 am\u20135 pm.<\/p>\n

Guests will be amazed as orchid blooms cascade down walls, spill from containers, and hang from the ceiling\u2013 featuring Cattleya, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, and Oncidium, among others.<\/p>\n

In the Main Conservatory, a canopy of twelve pink and purple Orchid Orbs welcome you to a lush sanctuary of vibrant, artfully presented orchids.<\/p>\n

In the East Conservatory, Cymbidium Edith McDade arrangements with Tillandsia chains accentuate the Oval Basin, while three large Cymbidium Edith McDade baskets hang from above.<\/p>\n

New this year, six eight-foot tall color blocked panels filled with Phalaenopsis create an awe-inspiring display in the Patio of Oranges. In the Acacia Passage, delicate cascading branches of cinnamon wattle beckons with fragrant blooms, while 18 urns filled with yellow and white Oncidium and Phalaenopsis line this picturesque passageway.<\/p>\n

Additional indoor highlights include the Mediterranean Garden featuring a riot of vibrant color January through April with Australian purple coral-pea (Hardenbergia) vines blooming like miniature wisteria. In the Estate Fruit House, nectarines, melons, and other fruits and vegetables flourish in the midst of winter.<\/p>\n

OrKID Days are feature activities where families can discover the colors, patterns, and beauty of orchids through art activities and storytelling. OrKID Days are January 21, February 18, and March 9 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and are free with Gardens Admission.<\/p>\n

On January 19 at 8 p.m., Producer and Musical Director Damien Sneed will bring the North American Tour of \u201cWe Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u201d to the Longwood stage. Inspired by the words and action of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., \u201cWe Shall Overcome\u201d showcases repertoire from across the African American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders with interwoven spoken word from Dr. King\u2019s recorded speeches.<\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $13 for students.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Arctic BBQ<\/p><\/div>\n

Undaunted by the winter weather, the Brandywine River Museum (Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org<\/a>) is responding with a festive outdoor event on January 18.<\/p>\n

From 1-3 p.m., \u201cArctic BBQ\u201d will be held at the museum along the banks of Brandywine Creek.<\/p>\n

Visitors are invited to shake off the winter blues at this Saturday\u2019s \u201cArctic BBQ\u201d by roasting marshmallows by the fire, going on a \u201cNature Scavenger Hunt\u201d along the River Trail and participating winter creation make-&-take session.<\/p>\n

If a chill sets in, visitors will be able to warm up under the museum\u2019s heated tents where there will be be a hot chocolate bar \u00a0as well as delicious BBQ by the Millstone Caf\u00e9 available for purchase.<\/p>\n

The event is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n

Every Friday and Saturday in January, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http:\/\/www.chaddsford.com<\/a>) will present \u201cMurder Mystery Nights 2020\u201d from 6:30-9 p.m. each night.<\/p>\n

Here is the scenario as posted by the winery \u2013 \u201cAfter laying his claim in the East End, Jack the Ripper’s killing spree fills the dodgy streets of London with panic and fear.\u00a0 But as the fall weather sets in, the murders begin to subside.\u00a0 \u00a0The townspeople grow hopeful that Jack\u2019s finally buggered off and his horrific reign of terror has ended.<\/p>\n

Then, on a bitter cold night in November, a baffling murder occurs.<\/p>\n

Scotland Yard proves to be straight rubbish, unable to solve the crime.\u00a0 Has Jack the Ripper returned or has another chap taken his place?<\/p>\n

London needs your help!\u00a0 Polish up your looking glass and help them uncover clues to pinpoint the killer and the motives.<\/p>\n

Along with an evening of mystery and suspense, you\u2019ll enjoy bloody good hors d\u2019oeuvres and downright brilliant PA wine!<\/p>\n

Share this first-rate experience with your best lads \u2013 and don’t forget to don breeches and frocks that are fit for the Queen.\u201d<\/p>\n

The \u201cMenu and Pairing Lineup\u201d features Charcuterie Board with ’17 The White Standard and ’17 The Red Standard, Cucumber Finger Sandwiches with ’17 Sauvignon Blanc and Chaddsford White, Shepherd’s Pie with ’17 Merlot and ’16 Pinot Noir, Salt Beef Slider with PA Craft Beer, Corn Chowder with ’16 Sur Lie Chardonnay and ’17 Harbinger and dessert with coffee and tea.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $60, and reservations are required.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Another winery event is \u201cWinter Wine-derland,\u201d which will be held on January 18, 19, 25 and 26 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n

The outdoor winter festival will feature ice carvings, the \u201cChaddsford Prize Wheel,\u201d \u201cNiagara Falls\u201d Ice Luge Wine Shot\u00a0(<\/strong>with purchase of a wine tasting<\/em>), specialty cocktails, fire pits, live music and food truck fare from Plum Pit Food Truck.<\/p>\n

The \u201cWine, Cheese & Honey Pairings at Penns Woods\u201d at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808, http:\/\/www.pennswoodsevents.com<\/a>) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.<\/p>\n

Penns Woods Winery is joining forces with local cheese makers and local honey artisans to present exclusive pairings of wine, cheese and honey. The tastings will feature five premium Penns Woods wines, each paired with various cheeses and honey from local farms.<\/p>\n

The mouth-watering tastings will be held every weekend in January from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. As an added attraction, live music will be featured on January 19, 25, and 26 from 2-5 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n

Tickets cost $28 per person in advance and reservations are required. Cancellations must be made within 72 hours or ticket holders will be charged the full amount of the tasting. Reservations are made and kept on the hour<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

STEMtastic Weekend<\/p><\/div>\n

There is a great event this weekend that will get kids\u2019 creative juices flowing — Hagley Museum\u2019s \u201cSTEMtastic Weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

-2400, www.hagley.org<\/i><\/a>).<\/p>\n

Visitors to the Hagley Museum, a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, will be able to learn about a science in a fun way.<\/p>\n

Hagley\u2019s STEMtastic Weekends are taking the place of Invention Convention with a new format that extends the fun beyond the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend.\u00a0Young inventors and tinkerers will take over the Visitor Center second floor gallery where they can investigate the inner workings of a variety of electronic gadgets, express their ingenuity by creating an invention and earning a \u201cHagley patent,\u201d enjoy robotics demonstrations by local robotics teams, and participate in hands-on activities that explore the many aspects of coding and robotics.<\/p>\n

\u201cSTEMtastic Weekends\u201d events are also scheduled for January 25 and 26 and February 1 and 2.<\/p>\n

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children (6-14) and free for children (under six).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>In 2017, the inaugural \u201cWomen\u2019s March on Philadelphia\u201d (http:\/\/www.womensmarchphl.com\/<\/i><\/a>) was staged with great results. The event is being celebrated for the fourth time this year with a theme of \u201cThe Year of the Woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event will get underway at 10 a.m. at Eakins Oval with participants gathering to march down the Ben Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Art Museum.<\/p>\n

At the conclusion of the march, there will be rally with a variety of speakers that represent all that the movement is fighting for.<\/p>\n

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so at https:\/\/donorbox.org\/women-s-march-on-philadelphia<\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a fun family activity \u2013 an indoor activity unaffected by the weather — Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com<\/i><\/a>) has something just for you — the\u00a0miniature golf course \u201cFore! the Planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linvilla Orchard\u2019s\u00a0\u201cFore! The Planet\u201d\u00a0is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This exhibition pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf.<\/p>\n

It features 18 unique educational holes on a variety of topics — butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rainforest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains and more. Kids of all ages can enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment on every hole.<\/p>\n

The first hole is \u201cButterfly Life Cycle\u201d and players must putt through each stage of the colorful insect\u2019s metamorphosis. The next five holes are titled \u201cSeed Dispersal,\u201d \u201cBat Sonar,\u201d \u201cFood Chain,\u201d \u201cEvolution of a Golfer\u201d and \u201cBackyard Explorer\u201d followed by \u201cNatural Selection\u201d and \u201cPredators and Prey.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the \u201cDinosaur Extinction\u201d hole, players get to hit their balls toward the scientific theory of dinosaur extinction they find most plausible. The remainder of the thought-provoking holes are \u201cRecycling,\u201d \u201cWater Pollution,\u201d \u201cLandfills,\u201d \u201cWild Corridors,\u201d \u201cBird Migration,\u201d \u201cSpawning Salmon,\u201d\u00a0\u201cAlien Species,\u201d \u201cPopulation Threats\u201d and \u201cRainforest Threats.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mini-course is open daily from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. through March 29. Tickets are $6.95 (ages 11 and over) and $5.95 (ages 10 and under).<\/p>\n

Every year, the Garden State Discovery Museum (2040 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 856-424-1233, www.discoverymuseum.com<\/a>) presents special programs designed to bring smiles to the faces of its young visitors.<\/p>\n

On January 17, it will be time for \u201cFrozen Bingo.\u201d \u00a0On January 18, the museum will host a program titled \u201cSnowball Treasure Hunt.\u201d The event will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

The \u201cSnow Queen Meet and Greet\u201d will run from noon-2 p.m. on January 19, 20 and 25 \u2013 also from noon-2 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n

The main event on January 26 will be the \u201cFrosty Sisters Meet and Greet\u201d followed by \u201cAlice in Wonderland Storytime\u201d on January 27. Another upcoming special event is \u201cFire Science\u201d on January 23.<\/p>\n

Admission to the Garden State Discovery Museum is $15.95 for adults and children 12 months and over and $14.95 for seniors.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re into hot cars, then cold days probably won\u2019t slow you down and keep you from your date with all things motorsports this weekend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The 34th Annual Motorsports Race Car & Trade Show will run from January 17-19 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Road, Oaks, 609-888-3618, www.aarn.com<\/i><\/a>).<\/p>\n

Race drivers and their cars thrive on sponsorship and it\u2019s prominently displayed on everything. So, it\u2019s no surprise that the official name of this weekend\u2019s show in Oaks is \u201cPioneer Pole Buildings Motorsports 2020 Fueled by Sunoco Race Fuels and Distributed by Insinger Performance Race Car and Trade Show.\u201d<\/p>\n

The huge annual event will feature close to 300,000 square feet of exhibition space devoted to auto racing, street rods and everything else related to motorsports. There will be hundreds of exhibits, a full schedule of informative seminars and personal appearances by a wide array of racing legends.<\/p>\n

There will be more than 200 motorsports vehicles of all types on exhibit. Several area speedways will have displays at the show and offer a great opportunity for fans to meet some of their standout performers and pick up a schedule of motorsports events for the 2020 season.<\/p>\n

More than 600 exhibit booths featuring 400-plus racing dealers, hardcore manufacturers of racing equipment and more will be part of the huge show, which is billed as the biggest and best of its type in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.<\/p>\n

Show attendees will have the opportunity to meet and collect autographs from well-known figures in motorsports, including a pair of legends \u2013 Kyle Petty and Dale Jarrett.<\/p>\n

Another annual fan favorite at the annual show is the Ms. Motorsports Pageant, which is scheduled for Saturday evening at7:30 p.m. As an added attraction, there will be autograph sessions with many of the contestants from recent years.<\/p>\n

Show hours are 2-9 p.m. on January 17, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on January 18 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on January 19. Tickets for adults are $15 daily or $30 for three-day pass. Tickets for children (ages 6-12) are $5 daily or $10 for three-day pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Philadelphia Home Show<\/p><\/div>\n

Whether you\u2019re a handyman, a home improvement fanatic or just a tinkerer who likes working on small projects around the house, you should check out the 39th Annual Philadelphia Home Show. The event is running now through January 19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia, 215- 418-2003, www.phillyhomeshow.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The well-attended annual show features a large number of exhibits representing the home renovation and decorating industry. Showcased products and services include roofing, windows, flooring, decking, landscaping, spas, contractors, designers, water, swimming pools, doors, gutters security systems, cabinetry, entertainment systems, appliances, furniture, vacuums and more.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $13 for adults and $3 for children (ages 6-12).<\/p>\n

Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend will be celebrated from January 18-20 at the Eastern State Penitentiary<\/strong> (2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-236-3300, www.easternstate.org<\/a>) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr<\/p><\/div>\n

Eastern State Penitentiary commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail with special readings from the landmark text and opportunities for visitors to respond to its relevance today.<\/p>\n

The event examines the following questions — Why did the civil rights leaders of the 1960s choose jail time to demonstrate their plight? How did Dr. King\u2019s letter, written in the margins of a newspaper and smuggled out of Birmingham Jail, create a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement? If Dr. King were alive today, what issues would his letter address?<\/p>\n

Professional actors will read excerpts from King\u2019s letter three times a day on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. An informal Q&A moderated by a civil rights scholar follows each reading, giving visitors an opportunity to respond to the letter\u2019s relevance today. The readings are free and open to the public, subject to availability.<\/p>\n

In partnership with Art Sanctuary, children ages 7-12 and their families can create art in response to themes found in the letter and read stories about Dr. King\u2019s life and legacy. Family activities are available on Monday, January 20, free and open to the public. No reservations required.<\/p>\n

There will be birthday celebrations soon in Philadelphia for one of the city\u2019s most famous historical figures — Benjamin Franklin. A number of events celebrating Franklin\u2019s 314th birthday will be staged around Philadelphia\u2019s historic district starting this weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenjamin Franklin Tippler\u2019s Tour\u201d (Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th and Chestnut streets, Philadelphia, 215-629-5801, http:\/\/historicphiladelphia.org\/tipplers-tour<\/a>) will be held on January 17 and 18 \u00a0starting at 5:30 p.m. each night.<\/p>\n

The over-21 set joins a Colonial guide for the Tippler\u2019s Tour with Ben Franklin. It is a rollicking pub crawl with stops for drinks and snacks at several Old City establishments.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben Franklin, the \u201cBirthday Boy,\u201d will join the tour along the way. He will hang around to chat with guests at City Tavern, the final stop, and to enjoy a Yards Brewing Company Franklin Spruce Ale.<\/p>\n

For the past few months, people have been able to get in a happy mood by visiting HAPPY PLACE (HappyPlace.me<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Live Nation Philadelphia brought HAPPY PLACE, an interactive, immersive pop-up exhibit with larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory themed rooms, to the King of Prussia Mall where it was slated to be open until just after Christmas holiday.<\/p>\n

Originally scheduled to run through January 5, HAPPY PLACE has been extended until February 29 and will be operating on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays only.<\/p>\n

HAPPY PLACE is filled with multi-sensory immersive rooms inducing smiles and laughter, plus larger-than-life, one-of-a-kind installations including seven-foot stilettos made of a million candies and six-foot tall mirrored X and O letters surrounded by a wall of one thousand red lips. It features more than 15,000 square feet of playful spaces and cheerful moments.<\/p>\n

HAPPY PLACE is created for an audience for all ages. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.<\/p>\n

Tickets start at $30 for adults and $20 for children (ages 4-12).<\/p>\n

\u201cGrim Philly\u2019s Nightmare Before Christmas Tavern Tour (856-829-3100, http:\/\/www.grimphilly.com<\/a>) will be held January 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31.<\/p>\n

Participants will have the opportunity to toast with\u00a0the ghosts of Christmas past while drinking in the yuletide spirits of grog and nog on this entertaining fact-filled tour.<\/p>\n

The evening\u2019s activities include trivia and\u00a0drinking games for chances to win free beer, drink and\/or food samples for all at each stop and a variety of drink specials.<\/p>\n

Participants can relax in warmth enjoying\u00a0authentic handmade Christmas beverages, snacks and prizes\u00a0(included) as they learn a full range of the surprising histories of Yule and Viking lore and Saturnalia — all which have worked their way in to our modern Christian celebrations including ideas of magick, gift giving\u2026and origins in even infanticide and human sacrifice.<\/p>\n

Guests will be able to revel in little known facts of our holiday past including the season\u2019s pagan roots in Roman, Celtic and German traditions, while learning of medieval, and New World additions in mumming and mistletoe.<\/p>\n

The tour price of $45 includes guided historic tour of \u201cGrim\u201d Philly, tavern admissions and two \u201cChristmas Drinks.\u201d The tours, which start at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and 5 p.m., on Saturdays, will depart from\u00a0599 Market Street, Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

The Chinese zodiac is a rotating cycle of 12 years in which each year is represented by a specific animal and its characteristics \u2014 rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.<\/p>\n

2020 is the \u201cYear of the\u00a0Rat\u201d according to Chinese zodiac.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Chinese New Year Celebration<\/p><\/div>\n

On January 18, there will be a special event in Philadelphia to welcome in the \u201cYear of the Rat\u201d when the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (33rd and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, 215-898-4000, www.penn.museum<\/a>) hosts its 39th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

The popular annual event in Philadelphia will feature celebrations of Chinese culture and New Year traditions throughout the day with programs and activities for all ages, including children\u2019s workshops, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts exhibitions and martial and healing arts demonstrations.<\/p>\n

There will be dance performances, Chinese music demonstrations, a Tai Chi workshop, a Kung Fu demonstration, a Family Zodiac tour and a Tangram Workshop.<\/p>\n

The annual celebration will, as always, feature the \u201cLion Dance.\u201d Lion dancers and drummers begin inside at 4 p.m. and, weather permitting, wind their way outside for a firecracker finale.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for senior citizens, $13 for students and free for children (under 6).<\/p>\n

The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, which is running now through February at RiverRink (Delaware Avenue at Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-925-RINK, www.riverrink.com<\/a>), is featuring a special event this weekend — the Fifth Annual Brewfest.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrewfest,\u201d which is scheduled for January 18, features a variety of free events, including beer talks, instruction on home brewing and screenings of films and television shows that are considered \u201cbeer-centric.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unquestionably, the biggest draw will be generated by a number of regional\u00a0breweries that will be giving out samples of some of their best beers \u2013 including Downingtown\u2019s Victory Brewing Company.<\/p>\n

The first session at 1 p.m. will feature Tr\u00f6egs Independent Brewing, Sly Fox Brewing, Evil Genius Beer Company and Victory Brewing Company.<\/p>\n

The second session at 5 p.m. will include Conshohocken Brewing Company, Yards Brewing Company, Dock Street Brewing, Love City Brewery and Victory Brewing Company.<\/p>\n

The outdoor rink\u2019s hours are 1-10:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 1 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on Sundays. Skating admission price is $4 and skate rental costs $10.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a fan of the cold-weather season, there\u2019s a special event coming up that you\u2019re bound to enjoy — the 2020 Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival (Various locations around New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey, 215-862-5067, www.Winterfestival.net<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The popular annual event is running from January 18-26 in the two towns which straddle the Delaware River in Upper Bucks County — New Hope in Pennsylvania and Lambertville in New Jersey. The festival\u2019s organizers list two main goals — to provide a healthy cold-weather experience in their river town communities and to demonstrate that their diverse communities are alive and well in the winter.<\/p>\n

The list of ticketed events includes \u201cOldies Dance Night,\u201d \u201cWinter Festival Revolutionary Pub Crawl,\u201d \u201cWinter Festival Pub Crawl After Party,\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTaste of Winter Fest<\/a>,\u201d \u201cWinter Festival Magical Musical Pub Crawl,\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConcert\u00a0& VIP Reception with Abbey Road Live,\u201d \u201cBeef ‘n’ Brew,\u201d \u201cA Capella Extravaganza,\u201d \u201cChili Cook-off,\u201d \u201cWinter Walking Food & Shop Tour,\u201d and \u201cSoup-A-Thon Cook-Off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Artists will be presenting live sculpting demonstrations at five locations — The Meet Group (100 Union Square, New Hope) and Lambertville Academy (87 North Main Street, Lambertville) on January 17, Havana Restaurant & Bar (105 South Main Street, New Hope)\u00a0and Triumph Brewing Company\u00a0(400 Union Square Drive, New Hope) on January 25, and Suez Water (11 Bridge Street, Lambertville) on January 26.<\/p>\n

\u201cReading Fire + Ice Fest\u201d (http:\/\/www.readingfireandicefest.com<\/u><\/a>), which is the flagship winter festival of Berks County, will return to downtown Reading for its sixth year in 2020.<\/p>\n

Produced and organized by the Reading Downtown Improvement District, the festival will take place January 17 and 18. Festivities will kick off on January 17 in the 600 block of Penn Street at 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

\u201cReading Fire + Ice Fest\u201d will feature a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities<\/a>, including a chili cook-off, Snowfall Ball, professional ice-carving competitions, fire performances, live music, and concession stands. All outdoor activities will again be free, and the chili cook-off.<\/p>\n

The fire performers will be Madeleine Bell and Flame Nouveau.<\/p>\n

For those of you who want to cling to the Christmas holiday spirit for as long as possible, you\u2019ve reached the end of the line \u2013 the final station on the 2019-2020 journey. The last holiday destination is a small town in Lancaster County \u2013 specifically, it is Choo-Choo Barn.<\/p>\n

Founded more than 50 years ago, Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. (Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, 717-687-7911, www.choochoobarn.com<\/a>) presents a 1,700-square-foot train layout featuring more than 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains. The majority of trains that are running in the display are \u201cO Gauge\u201d trains but there are also some HO Gauge trains as well as one N Gauge train.<\/p>\n

Several of the original pieces and animations are still on the display today, including the ski slope, ski lodge and ice skaters, Dutch Haven, the Willows, the two-lane moving highway (in front of Dutch Haven), the farm with the tobacco barn, the Strasburg Fire House, the church beside Dutch Haven and a few other houses.<\/p>\n

The layout features a special Christmas display now through January 20. The homes and businesses along the tracks have been decked out with holiday trim. And, there are 55 hidden Santas — one for each year the site has been open — located around the display for visitors to find.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Every year when January arrives, Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) celebrates one of the largest families of plants in the world. If you did a Google search to find out which are the largest families of flowering plants in the world, this is the answer […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33656,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[562,2621,11831,6518,84,8457],"class_list":["post-33654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-brandywine-river-museum","tag-chaddsford-winery","tag-dr-martin-luther-king-jr","tag-featured","tag-longwood-gardens","tag-womens-march"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=33654"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33654\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33655,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33654\/revisions\/33655"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=33654"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=33654"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=33654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}