"It's A Wonderful Life" in Seneca Falls

66th Anniversary Celebration
Featuring "The Bailey Sisters"

Friday, December 7th - Sunday, December 9th 2012

Come celebrate the holiday season and the Frank Capra Classic film in beautiful Seneca Falls!  Seneca Falls becomes Bedford Falls from the classic holiday film and invites everyone to join in the festivities.  With personal appearance by Karolyn Grimes who played “ZuZu” in the film.

This year's schedule

PRE-FESTIVAL:

THURSDAY, December 6th:

  • 7 PM
    “MERRY CHRISTMAS GEORGE BAILEY”
    An old time radio play based on the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre broadcast. Performed by the Seneca Community Players, "Bedford Falls Bijou Theatre," 115 Fall St.. Tickets can be purchased for $6 at WomanMade Products, 91 Fall Street, (315) 568-9364
  • WINTER FILM FESTIVAL
    Women’s Rights National Historical Park. Call for schedule'   (315) 568-2991.
  • COLORING CONTEST
    See the entries for the coloring contest at the Seneca Falls   Community Center, 35 Water Street 

FRIDAY, December 7th:

  • 9 AM - 5 PM
    BEDFORD FALLS HOLIDAY POSTMARK
    Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.
  • 10 AM - NOON
    ZUZU AND JANIE SIGN AUTOGRAPHS
    Karolyn Grimes "Zuzu" and Carol Coombs-Mueller "Janie" sign autographs at the Seneca Falls Historical Society, 55 Cayuga St. Items commemorating the film on sale autograph included or bring your own item ($10 fee per autograph).
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    “IT’S A WONDERFUL QUILT” RAFFLE
    Quilt is on display at The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
    Buy raffle tickets here and at different locations throughout town.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    RAFFLE OF AUTOGRAPHED ITEMS
    Including a Trivia Book from the personal collection of Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”) signed by Jimmy Stewart, Todd Karnes (“Harry”), Bobbie Anderson (“Young George”) and the four Bailey kids. The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St. 
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    “GINGERBREAD BEDFORD FALLS”
    All entries in the Third Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread House Contest will be on display. Vote for entries in the Third Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread Contest at the Seneca Falls Visitor Center and Seneca Museum, 89 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
       “MANY MAGICAL DAYS OF CHRISTMAS”– BASKET RAFFLES
    Gift Baskets created & donated by local businesses will be available for raffle. Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Business Association, the proceeds from the raffle benefit The House of Concern, the Seneca Museum and SFBA. Seneca Falls Visitor Center, 89 Fall St.
     
    NOON - 5 PM
    ARTIST JOSEPH YAKOVETIC
    Look for artist Joseph Yakovetic throughout town at different events and locations as he creates original paintings based on “It’s a Wonderful Life” and offers prints and original paintings for sale.
  • 1 PM
    IT’S A WONDERFUL COOKIE
    Judging for the “It’s A Wonderful Cookie” will be held at 1:00 at the Seneca Falls Visitor Center and Seneca Museum, 89 Fall Street.  Cookies will also be for sale
  • 12:15 PM
    ANTONIO VARACALLI DAY PROCLAMATION
    Presentation & reception at The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall Street.
  • 1 PM - 4 PM
    ZUZU AND JANIE SIGN AUTOGRAPHS
    Karolyn Grimes and Carol Coombs-Mueller sign autographs at the Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St.  Items commemorating the film on sale, autograph included, or bring your own item ($10 fee per autograph).
  • 4 PM - 6 PM
    WELCOME RECEPTION
    Join “The Bailey Sisters” for hors d’oeurves and wine tasting at the Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St.
  • 6 PM - 8 PM
    WINE TASTING AND SWEET TREATS
    Stop in at Bailey Park for wine-tasting and sweet treats.  Look for the tent in front of Generations Bank, 19 Cayuga St.
  • 6:30 PM
    KAROLYN GRIMES - INSIGHTS & EXPERIENCES: "IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE"
    Auditorium, Old Mynderse Academy, Academy Square, 12 N. Park St. 
  • 6:30 PM
    “WONDERFUL BEDTIME STORY”
    Featuring “The Polar Express.” Seneca Falls Library, 47 Cayuga St. 
  • 8:00 PM
    SPECIAL SCREENING OF “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”
     Auditorium, Old Mynderse Academy, Academy Square, 12 N. Park St. Sponsored by the Delavan Foundation.

SATURDAY, December 8th:

  • 8:30 AM - 12 PM  
    IT’S A WONDERFUL BREAKFAST
    Trinity Church, east end of Fall St., $6.50 at the door.
  • 9 AM - 2 PM  
    BEDFORD FALLS HOLIDAY POSTMARK
    Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.
  • 9 AM - 5PM
    CHRISTMAS PAST THROUGH HISTORICAL CHRISTMAS CARDS
    Walter Gable presents "Christmas Past Through Historical Christmas Cards," including images from the famous illustrator Thomas Nast. Throughout the day.
  • 9:30 AM - 12:00PM
  • CHILDREN'S CRAFT CORNER
    Build a Gingerbread Christmas Ornament. Free. Women's Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St.
  • 10 AM
    FREE ROASTED CHESTNUTS
    Back by Popular Demand.  Served by the Knights of Columbus The corner of Fall and State Streets, by the Hotel Clarence, for as long as they last.
  • 10 AM
    9th ANNUAL GEORGE BAILEY AWARD
    Presented by Karolyn Grimes.  Sponsored by the IDEA Center for the Voices of Humanity, 32 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    ARTIST JOSEPH YAKOVETIC
    Look for artist Joseph Yakovetic throughout town at different events and locations as he creates original paintings based on “It’s a Wonderful Life” and offers prints and original paintings for sale.
  • 10 AM - 4PM
    CRAFTS AND GOODIES AT "BAILEY PARK"   
    Stop by "Bailey Park" in front of Generations Bank, 19 Cayuga St., to do some Christmas shopping, buy some tasty goodies & support local groups. Cinnamon Bun Eating Contest -- fee to enter.                               
  • 11 AM
    LIGHTING THE TRAIL
    Christmas tree lighting, caroling.  Ludovico Sculpture Trail, South of the Bridge. 
  • 10 AM - 3 PM
    SANTA, CRAFTS, MUSIC & STORIES FOR KIDS
    Free Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10:30-12:30 and 2-3:30.  Blossoms by Cosentino, 106 Fall St.  All crafts and activities are free. 
  • 10AM - 5 PM
    “IT’S A WONDERFUL QUILT” RAFFLE
    Quilt is on display at The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
    Buy raffle tickets here and at different locations throughout town.
  • 10AM - 5 PM
    RAFFLE OF AUTOGRAPHED ITEMS
    Items signed by Jimmy Stewart and other cast members. The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St. 
  • 10AM - 5 PM
    “GINGERBREAD BEDFORD FALLS”
    All entries in the Third Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread House Contest will be on display. Vote for entries in the Third Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread Contest at the Visitor Center/Seneca Museum of Waterways & Industry, 89 Fall St.
  • 10AM - 5 PM
    “MANY MAGICAL DAYS OF CHRISTMAS”– BASKET RAFFLES
    Gift Baskets created & donated by local businesses will be available for raffle. Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Business Association, the proceeds from the raffle benefit The House of Concern, the Seneca Museum and SFBA. Seneca Falls Visitor Center, 89 Fall Street.
  • 11 AM - 1 PM
    ZUZU AND JANIE SIGN AUTOGRAPHS
    Karolyn Grimes and Carol Coombs-Mueller sign autographs at the Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St.  Items commemorating the film on sale, autograph included, or bring your own item ($10 fee per autograph).
  • 11 AM - 6 PM
    IT’S A WONDERFUL BRUNCH
    Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St. Featuring menu items from Karolyn
    Grimes’ Cookbook. Call for Reservations: (315) 712-4000.
  • 11 AM - 3 PM
    MA BAILEY’S HOT & HEARTY COOK-OFF
    Sample, chili, soups, and stews at downtown merchants along Fall Street and vote for your favorite.  Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Rotary Club.
  • 11 AM - 3 PM
    FREE HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
    Cooperstown Carriage. Leaves from the American Legion, 48 State
    St. and "Bailey Park" at Generations Bank, 19 Cayuga St.
  • 11 AM - 4 PM
    “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” CHARACTERS ON THE  STREETS OF THE REAL BEDFORD FALLS
    Sponsored by Generations Bank.
  • 11 AM - 4 PM
    “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” THEMED ICE CREAM
    The Cayuga Creamery will sell ice cream and hot chocolate floats at Home Necessities, 115 Fall St.
  • 11 AM - 4 PM
    AMERICAN LEGION CRAFT FAIR
    Free refreshments and music honoring all service personnel, past and present, 48 State St.
  • NOON - 3 PM
    CHRISTMAS PROGRAM BY BOB PIORUN & THE SWING KATS
    Seneca Falls Visitor Center and Seneca Museum at 89 Fall Street
    will host Christmas Music from noon to 3:00 p.m. Book signing by Geneva author, John Robert Allen, who wrote “The House of Many Windows” and orders will be taken for his new book. Art Show and “IAWL Seneca Museum Raffle.” Seneca Falls Visitor Center and Seneca Museum, 89 Fall St.
  • 1 PM - 3 PM
    CHILDREN'S CRAFT CORNER   
    Make a beaded Jingle Bell Necklace. Free. Women's Rights National
    Historical Park, 136 Fall St.
  • 1 PM
    IT’S A WONDERFUL PARADE
    Decorate your pet and join Doo Dah groups, Fire Departments, and the Stepping Stone Angels. 
  • 2 PM
    SPECIAL SCREENING OF “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”
    Auditorium, Old Mynderse Academy, Academy Square, 12 N. Park St.  Sponsored by the Delavan Foundation
  • 2 PM - 4 PM
    ZUZU AND JANIE SIGN AUTOGRAPHS
    Karolyn Grimes and Carol Coombs-Mueller sign autographs at the Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St.  Items commemorating the film on sale, autograph included, or bring your own item ($10 fee per autograph).
  • 3 - 4&5 - 5:35 PM
    LOCK 52 BAND
    \Seneca Falls Community Center, 35 Water St.
  • 4:40 PM
    IT’S A WONDERFUL RUN
    5K Run/Walk through the beautiful, illuminated Village of Seneca Falls. For information, see www.itsawonderfulrun5k.com.
  • 5 PM - 6:30 PM
    A TASTE OF BEDFORD FALLS
    Sample food from many local restaurants. Look for the "Bailey Park" tent in the Generations Bank Parking Lot, 19 Cayuga St.   Suggested donation $5.00 to go to the It’s a Wonderful Life Committee.  Children under 12 free.
  • 6 PM
    “MERRY CHRISTMAS GEORGE BAILEY”
    Performed by the Seneca Community Players, “Bedford Falls  Bijou Theatre,” 115 Fall St.  Tickets can be purchased for $8 at WomanMade Products, 91 Fall Street (315) 568-9364.
  • 7 PM
    SPECIAL SCREENING OF “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”
    Auditorium, Old Mynderse Academy, Academy Square, 12 N. Park St. Sponsored by the Delavan Foundation.
  • 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
    DANCE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON & SWING CONTEST
    Dance to the music of the Joe Pera Band, Community Center.

SUNDAY, December 9th:

  • 9:30 AM - 12
    CHILDREN’S CRAFT CORNER
    Make a wooden Christmas tree ornament. Free. Women’s Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
    ZUZU AND JANIE SIGN AUTOGRAPHS
    Karolyn Grimes and Carol Coombs-Mueller sign autographs at the Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St.  Items commemorating the film on sale (autograph included) or bring your own item ($10 fee per autograph).
  • 10 AM - 2 PM
    UNCLE BILLY’S WONDERFUL SCAVENGER HUNT
    Win fabulous prizes while visiting Seneca Falls merchants. Look for hidden clues.  Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Business Association.  Prizes awarded at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St., at 2:30 PM.
  • 10 AM - 2:30 PM
    “IT’S A WONDERFUL QUILT” RAFFLE
    Quilt is on display at The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum. Buy raffle tickets here and at different locations throughout town.
  • 10 AM - 3 PM
  • ARTIST JOSEPH YAKOVETIC
    Look for artist Joseph Yakovetic throughout town at different events and locations as he creates original paintings based on “It’s a Wonderful Life” and offers prints and original paintings for sale.      
  • 10 AM - 3 PM
    RAFFLE OF AUTOGRAPHED ITEMS
    Items signed by Jimmy Stewart and other cast members. The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 4 PM
    “MANY MAGICAL DAYS OF CHRISTMAS”– BASKET RAFFLES
    Gift Baskets created & donated by local businesses will be available for raffle.  Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Business Association, the proceeds from the raffle benefit The House of Concern, the Seneca Museum and SFBA. Seneca Falls Visitor Center, 89 Fall Street.
  • 10 AM - 4 PM
    “GINGERBREAD BEDFORD FALLS”
    All entries in the Third Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread House Contest will be on display. Vote for entries at the Seneca Falls Visitor Center and Seneca Museum, 89 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 4 PM
    IT’S A WONDERFUL BRUNCH
    Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St. Featuring menu items from Karolyn Grimes’ Cookbook. Call for Reservations: (315) 712-4000.
  • 11 AM - 3 PM
    CLARENCE’S HEAVENLY CONFECTIONS
    Sample desserts and other confections at downtown merchants along Fall Street. 
  • NOON
    THE BAILEY SISTERS, ZUZU & JANIE, INTRODUCE  “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”
    Auditorium Old Mynderse Academy, Academy Square, 12 N. Park St.
  • 12:30 PM
    SPECIAL SCREENING OF “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”
    Auditorium, Old Mynderse Academy, Academy Square, 12 N. Park St.  Sponsored by the Delavan Foundation.
  • 1 PM
    “MERRY CHRISTMAS, GEORGE BAILEY!”
    “Bedford Falls Bijou Theatre,” 115 Fall St.  Tickets can be purchased for $6 at WomanMade Products, 91 Fall Street (315) 568-9364.
  • 1 PM - 2:30 PM
    ZUZU AND JANIE SIGN AUTOGRAPHS
    Karolyn Grimes and Carol Coombs-Mueller sign autographs at the Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St.  Items commemorating the film on sale, autograph included, or bring your own item ($10 fee per autograph).
  • 1 PM - 3:30 PM
    CHILDREN'S CRAFT CORNER 
    Make a beaded reindeer ornament. Free. Women’s Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St.
  • 1 PM - 2:30 PM
    DRAWING FOR “IT’S A WONDERFUL QUILT” RAFFLE
    The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
  • 3:15PM - 3:45 PM
    CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT TRINITY CHURCH
    Trinity Lane, at the east end of Fall St., across from The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
  • 4 PM
    THE BELLS OF THE REAL BEDFORD FALLS
    Bells will ring throughout Seneca Falls in honor of family members and friends who have impacted the lives of others. Forms are available throughout town or go to:  www.therealbedfordfalls.com

  • MERRY CHRISTMAS -- SEE YOU NEXT YEAR
    DECEMBER 13, 14 AND 15

All Month

  • Holiday Shopping Specials
    See downtown merchants throughout the month