The first weekend in December always proves just how many opportunities there are in this wonderful little town of Farmville. This year there were even more events than ever and I had to pick and choose which to attend. There was no reason for anyone to complain about having nothing to do!
We are blessed by the opportunities brought to us by the location of Longwood University in town and Hampden-Sydney College nearby. The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts is located right in the heart of Downtown Farmville at the intersection of two of the busiest streets. There are exhibitions all year round and one of their special programs is art workshops for the local community children. On Saturday morning they offered a Winter Wonderland workshop. Over 300 children attended and I enjoyed watching them walk by the office with their faces painted and holding their new artwork treasures.
Before the art workshop you could join the Farmville Junior Woman’s Club for “Breakfast with Santa” or after you could walk along the street and enjoy a model train exhibition from the High Bridge Model Rail Club.
Another benefit brought to us by Longwood University is the outstanding Theatre department and their productions that are open to all. This past weekend I was fortunate to attend "Santaland Diaries and Season's Greetings" by David Sedaris. It was a packed theatre and full of laughs.
We also had a theatre production for the young and young at heart courtesy of the Waterworks Players our local community theatre group. For 5 years now they have been bringing the British Christmas tradition of pantomime to Farmville. British pantomime combines song, dance, and slapstick comedy and are loosely based on traditional children's stories. Beloved by children and adults alike, pantomimes are as much a part of Christmas throughout the British Isles as singing carols, trimming the tree, and exchanging presents. Audience participation is part of the fun and everyone has a great time. This year they brought to life the story of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and one of my staff members was involved as the Stage Manager. I was sorry not to be able to attend this show but my 14 year old son went with friends. They loved the show and talked about it for hours afterward.
There was yet another theatrical production on offer at the New Life Assembly of God with their production of the musical "My Big Fat Christmas Wedding."
On Sunday the whole community came together for the annual Farmville Christmas parade including the cast members of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "My Big Fat Christmas Wedding." No matter how cold it gets everyone wraps up and brings their hot chocolate to keep them warm as they line the streets waiting for familiar faces to pass by. Pretty soon you don't feel the cold as you feel the warmth of the community spirit around you.
It is a wonderful place to enjoy the spirit of the holidays.
Comments(5)