The fragrance of hot chocolate, decorations of living greenery, and shortened daylight hours remind us that Christmas in Heritage Canyon is just around the calendar corner. Join the Early American Crafters at Heritage Canyon in Fulton, IL, 515 N. Fourth Street, as we replicate life in the mid-1800’s. Wood-burning stoves, oil lanterns, and first-person interpreters will bring the buildings to life from noon to 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 6, 2014. At dusk the venue will be lit with lanterns and luminaries. You may wish to bring a flashlight to assist your walk during the Illuminated Christmas Walk.
Editor’s note: A change in sponsor and shuttle times is in effect. Courtesy of Eagle Point Nursing Home, 801 28th Avenue North, Clinton, IA, visitors who attend the Illuminated Walk will be shuttled to and from the canyon by bus, between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Pick up and drop off will be at the Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th Street.
Step into buildings as “ghosts of Christmas past” go about their merry holiday activities. Stroll woodland paths and brick sidewalks to visit recreated buildings decorated for the holiday season.
Traditional refreshments will be available. At the Town Hall, enjoy free hot cocoa or our special Canyon Tea and cookies. Santa will be there for a photo op. Take your picture home immediately.
All afternoon, a tea will be held in the 1860’s House for ladies of the canyon. Step inside to catch up on the latest gossip.
Youngsters are invited to write or draw a letter to Santa Claus in the General Store and leave it in the Post Office. Play a game of checkers while you peruse the merchandise. Upstairs in the Dressmaker’s Shop, watch fibers being spun on a spinning wheel and quilting being sewn on a treadle machine. There also is a bank, doctor’s office, and clay pipe shop, to view.
Music can be enjoyed inside the quaint canyon Church. Coral Flikkema will perform on the dulcimer from noon until 5:00 p.m. Sarah Swan will entertain from 5:00 to 7:00.
The Log Cabin on the hill will be open until dusk, with cooking and tree decorating taking place.
Inside the Blacksmith Shop, watch a blacksmith practice his craft.
Throughout the event, Girl Scouts from Fulton and Goose Lake, IA, can be found in the Iron Works. Stop to make a pine cone bird feeder to please your feathered friends.
Students in the Schoolhouse will prepare songs for a program and decorate the tree with handmade ornaments and snowflakes.
Heritage Canyon Christmas Walk has something for all ages. Call 815-589-4600 for further details.
