GRANTSVILLE — With events and activities designed to evoke the memories of simpler times, a visit to Christmas in the Village is a true walk down memory lane. Christmas in the Village, at Spruce Forest Artisan Village, will mark its 38th year of spreading Christmas cheer on Dec. 1 and 2.
With the scent of pine in the air and cozy cabins with artisans and old-fashioned displays, the annual event truly epitomizes the spirit of the season and community. The tradition of Christmas in the Village began as a way for the village’s artisans to thank their patrons for their tireless support. So popular, the event has continued to thrive and grow as thousands attend the kickoff to their own holiday traditions and an opportunity to purchase hand-crafted and unique gifts for loved ones.
According to Lenore Lancaster, one of the event’s organizers as well as a featured artist, Christmas in the Village continues to pay homage to the vision of the village’s founder, Alta Schrock.
“The village is unique and open year-round as the resident and guest artisans are highly skilled in their crafts and enjoy sharing information, demonstrating and answering visitors’ questions about their crafts. This interaction is consistent and one-of-a-kind in the tri-state area,” she said.
During the holiday season, village artisans “deck the halls” and welcome guests into their cabins as well as the other historic structures on the property to provide guests with an old-fashioned Christmas experience. Pathways are lit with luminaries and the atmosphere is truly magical.
“The historical quaint look and feel of the village log cabins bring one’s mind to memories of the past in simpler days. Christmas decorations are done with this in mind,” Lancaster said.
Village artisans include Gary Yoder, bird carver; Peggy Nixon, illustrator in the Casselmead Studios; Lynn Lais, potter; Doug Salmon, wearable art; Ann Jones, weaver; Dwight Yoder, glass blowing; Mike Edleman, blacksmith; and Gene Gillespie; woodturner. The following artists will be in the Great Hall above Penn Alps: Carolyn Groves, tatting; Sue Rudd, knitted art; Jim Cumiskey, crushed glass art; Janice Beall, fabric art; Linda Steward, paper art; and Lancaster, colored pencil art.
Organizers are excited to announce the addition of two new resident craftsmen, Luke Geasy and Lynford Yoder. Geasy, a fine leather worker, will be located in the two-story Markley log house. Lynford Yoder, an oil painter who offers classes in his gallery and complete framing services, will be set up in the Granary across from Stanton Mill. The Granary also serves as a welcome center with information about the Arts & Entertainment District.
The two-story log Miller House and the log one-room school will be open with docents answering questions and providing information. A tent at the entrance of the village will provide a map of activities and general information. The historic Stanton Mill will be open during the Christmas in the Village events.
Representatives from the Garrett County Arts Council will also be in attendance. The council’s The Gallery Shop Too will be open during the holiday season in Grant’s Mercantile’s barn with a collection of works for sale by their member artists along with individual artist pop-ups at Christmas in the Village.
The Shops at Little Crossing, Cornucopia Cafe, Penn Alps Restaurant and Craft Shop will all be open throughout the weekend as well.
The village’s historic chapel hosts musical performances throughout the event. Groups include youth choirs from Mountain Friends homeschool group and Burlington United Methodist Church as well as accomplished regional performers like Grantsville’s own award-winning country gospel artist, Loretta Hummel, and, for the first time, Neal Corwell, a brass instrumentalist formerly of the U.S. Army Band’s Pershing’s Own band.
The buildings at Spruce Forest will be adorned with evergreens and candles. In addition, the Casselman River Bridge will be lit with luminaries set up by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Parking on-site at Christmas in the Village is limited and it is highly recommended visitors take the free trolley from Grantsville Park to the village. There is ample parking there and also art, hot coffee and ice skating at the park.
The town of Grantsville is partnering with organizers to offer a variety of activities at the park. According to volunteer Regina Holliday, these activities will provide an added element of holiday fun for visitors, especially those using the shuttle service.
“Last year an ice skating rink began operations in the park. This past summer, a coffee shop opened right beside the park. We thought this would be the perfect year to expand into the park. We will have trees decorated by local businesses and individuals. We will have a basket auction to benefit the Grantsville Revitalization Organization. We will have craft vendors in the pavilions and a silent auction of art from the children of Grantsville Elementary to benefit the art and music programs. There will also be children’s activities and crafts.”
Another highlight is Grantsville’s official town tree lighting on Friday evening. Students from Grantsville and Route 40 elementary schools will sing carols at the ceremony with Mayor Emily Newman-Edwards, warmed by hot cocoa and cookies provided by Garrett County Commissioner Paul C. Edwards.
A visit to Christmas in the Village and the community of Grantsville promises to be a welcome refuge from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Christmas in the Village will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.