Christmas at Norlands is Dec. 14

LIVERMORE — The Washburn‐Norlands Living History Center will host a family-friendly interactive Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14, and the living history site 290 Norlands Road.
Doors open at 11 a.m. for the rural 19th centurly Christmas experience. Ongoing activities throughout the day include horse‐drawn sleigh or wagon rides (depending on snow conditions), children’s craft activities, storytelling, parlor games, the one‐room schoolhouse, and tours of the simply yet elegantly decorated 1867 Washburn family mansion. Old-fashion spelling bees take place in the schoolhouse at noon, 2 p.m. ad 3:30 p.m.
Castlebay musicians Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee of Round Pound, will weave together seasonal tunes on the Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle and tin whistle, performing in the Washburn mansion throughout most of the day. The Rangeley Ringers Hand Bell Choir will perform at 1:30 p.m.
A historical church service will be held in the 1828 Universalist meeting house at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Rev. Thurston Stevens will be portrayed by Norlands’ historical interpreter Ignacio Valdes, who will lead a short service complete with a Christmas message, readings and hymns.
A cookie walk fundraiser benefits Norlands’ building fund, and visitors may warm up with a cup of soup, a mug of mulled cider or hot chocolate, and a sweet treat in the farmer’s cottage while supplies last.
An admission fee will be charged, though it’s free for ages 5 and under. For more information, call 207-897-4366 or visit www.NORLANDS.org.