Dickens of a Christmas CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
by Alyssa Paulsen Wisconsin can have unpredictable weather when December rolls around— will it snow early or will it hold off until January? We never know, but what is predictable is the amount of fun during the annual Ripon Chamber of Commerce’s Dickens of a Christmas. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this much-anticipated gathering, which will run Friday, December 4, to Sunday, December 6. With ample
wonder and amazement for all ages, it’s not a surprise that Ripon’s premiere event brings many to the area year after year. Kicking off Friday night is the Dickens Holiday Parade, which will make its way downtown at 6:30 p.m. with a phenomenal display of lights, music, and the spirit of the season. Downtown will also be home to Saturday’s main event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the
Photograph provided by Ripon Chamber of Commerce
Dickens of a Christmas Living Windows Display. This year’s A Christmas Carol theme will have participating businesses decorating and dressing up to look like they came right out of the Dickens’ acclaimed novel. As always, Dickens of a Christmas will include a variety of other events throughout town, including the Dickens of a Quilt Show, highlighting the extraordinary works of area quilters; the opportunity to step into some of the most elegant area houses during the annual Tour of Homes; the magical Enchanted Forest of fully decorated Christmas trees; creative Christmas crèche displays; and the Dress a Doll contest. If you haven’t quite finished your Christmas shopping, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list while exploring the charming city. Many of the downtown shops will be open throughout the event, and several art and craft fairs will also take place throughout the city. For more information about Dickens of a Christmas, please contact the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce at (920) 748-6764.
Photograph by Barbara Wilson
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Alyssa Paulsen is a freelance writer.
