LIGHTS, CAMERA…

Variety — the Children’s Charity’s annual Holiday Lane ready for action

WORCESTER » Variety — the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley (Variety) invites all to celebrate the magic of the season by visiting Holiday Lane. The event, which runs until Dec. 4, 2021, 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 pro

SUBMITTED PHOTO At Holiday Lane, families can enjoy displays of Old Fashion Christmas, Candyland, Frozen and many more as well as 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.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rosalie Hetrick, left, and her sister Maria Jacobs celebrate the completed “Polar Express” cabin.