LIGHTS, CAMERA …
Variety — the Children’s Charity’s annual Holiday Lane ready for action
WORCESTER » Variety — the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley invites all to celebrate the magic of the season by visiting Holiday Lane.
The event, which runs until Dec. 4, features decorated cabins, a holiday craft bazaar, live entertainment, strolling characters, complimentary hot cocoa, various children’s activities, a warm bonfire, and festive outdoor decorations. The event’s presenting sponsor is Syngenius.
One of the decorated cabins features the work of Norristown’s Rosalie Hetrick and her sister Maria Jacobs. The two decided to get involved with the event as a way to spend time together during the pandemic. The inspiration for their “Polar Express” cabin theme was Hetrick’s late husband Tom, who was 53 when he died in 2008 from a workrelated accident.
“When my friend retired she gave me the book “The Polar Express,” Hetrick said. “She inscribed it by writing ‘I hope the bell never falls silent for you.’ Tommy loved Christmas and that year everybody got a bell on their gift.”
To appreciate all the cabins, visitors can walk or drive along Holiday Lane in which the exterior of the organization’s rustic cabins will be lit up with holiday lights and decorated in holiday themes. Visitors can then cast their votes for their favorite cabin, including Hetrick’s.
The event serves as more than just a holiday event members of the community can enjoy. It supports the efforts of Variety, a nonprofit organization that serves to “enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities.”
“Variety is one of the only organizations in the region that provides a host of on-site programming for children and young adults with disabilities ranging from Summer Day Camp, Saturday Respite Camps, and Extended School Year to an innovative workforce development program, we call VarietyWorks,” said
Dominique Bernardo, CEO of Variety — the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley. “Holiday Lane supports all of these efforts.”
Cabins along Holiday Lane showcase Old Fashion Christmas, Candyland, Frozen and many more. Also on hand will be costumed actors from Methacton Community Theater. The event culminates at Variety’s decorated 1700s Farmhouse where live entertainment including Irish dancers from Dancing on Eire School of Irish Dance and local singing groups perform.
Visitors take chances on basket raffles or in the Hall of Trees in which winners win decorated trees. Visitors can also shop at a Holiday Bazaar featuring handmade items crafted by Variety kids throughout the year. If you go:
Dates and times are as follows:
December 4: Walking Tours: 4 pm — 8 pm, $10 adults, $5 kids
Tickets can be purchased at varietyphila.org/holidaylane-tickets
For more information on Variety’s Holiday Lane, visit varietyphila.org/holidaylane.