Don’t Miss: Holiday Happenings on Benefit Street

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Kalena Crafton, GoLocalProv Contributor

Which wreaths will win the grand prize in this year's competition?

Providence is kicking this year’s holiday season off with a bang once again. The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) invites families to celebrate one of Rhode Island’s most famous streets this Saturday with “A Benefit Street Holiday”, a family-friendly, day-long Holiday Festival, launching the festive season of shopping, celebrations and homecomings in Providence.

The day-long celebrationwill feature a kids’ program, various events hosted by famous RIers, and parade ending in the illustrious Providence tree lighting.

Morning: wreaths + gingerbread houses

Get to the Hope Club bright and early for a wreath judging contest by WHJJ radio personality Helen Glover at 9 a.m. and storytelling with internationally acclaimed storyteller Len Cabral at 9:30 a.m.

Bring the kids to decorate gingerbread cookies and get the chance to finally master the art of the ginger-bread house from a master pastry chef of LaSalle Bakery, 2011 National Bakery Retailer of the Year.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., take advantage of the opportunity to explore Benefit Street’s beautiful 18th and 19th century architecture, the focus of this year’s PPS holiday event. Benefit Street, recognized nationally both as a special neighborhood in its own right and an emblem of the historic preservation movement, narrowly avoided the wrecking ball that demolished so many other historic sites. Experience the history for yourself through guided or self-guided tours of the interior of select homes. Included is the Hope Club, a magnificent Edwardian-era private retreat rarely seen by the public.

Lunch: talk of domestics + the Victorians

A special Patrons Lunch will feature a talk on domestic servants in the 19th and 20th century by historian Jennifer Pustz focusing on three Historic New England properties. For the history buffs of the family, listen to a lecture by PPS Executive Director James Brayton Hall, “The Victorians: Providence at the Turn of the 19th Century,” or “A Model of Respectability,” on the architecture and history of the First Baptist Church by Church Historian Stan Lemons, and

Rhode Island College Professor Emeritus of History.

Later in the day embark on a Side Hill Farm carriage hay ride, view a dazzling Snow Queen presentation, or dress your pet in its best to compete in a Costume Pet Parade judged by First Lady Stephanie Chafee.

Evening: concerts, tree lighting, + wishes

Migrate down the hill with Providence’s famous holiday parade led by Mayor Angel Taveras and 2nd Rhode Island Regiment Fife and Drum Corps from the Armory on Benefit Street to the Bank of America Skating Center for the City of Providence’s annual Tree Lighting at 6:00 p.m. The Snow Queen will be granting children’s wishes as the tree is lit.

After the tree lighting, get some of that holiday shopping out of the way while the shops are open late and catch some Saturday night entertainment before returning home.

Registration and Welcome Center: Hope Club, 6 Benevolent Street. Historic House Tour tickets are $25 in advance ($30 day of the event). Ticket prices for the Family Day are $8 (includes all children’s activities). For more information, a complete schedule, or to purchase tickets, call PPS at 401-831-7440; or visit www.ppsri.org. Proceeds benefit the advocacy and education initiatives of PPS.

Schedule of events

9:00 am Wreath judging-judged by Helen Glover

9:00 am Registration for kids program

9:30 am Len Cabral—storyteller for kids

10:30 am Gingerbread cookie decorating for kids

11:00 am Gingerbread House Decoration demonstration with La Salle Bakery master pastry chef

11-5 pm Tour Registration opens

11:30 am Guided tour of Benefit Street (Available for those who purchase a house tour or patrons’ tickets )

12:00 pm Patrons’ Lunch at Hope Club featuring Jennifer Pustz

12:00 pm Entertainment begins

1:30 pm Guided tour of Benefit Street (Available for those who purchase a house tour or patrons’ tickets)

1:30 pm Afternoon gingerbread cookie decorating

2-4 pm Side Hill Farm Carriage Rides

2:00 pm Pet Parade-judged by Stephanie Chafee, Dr. Jane Linden and Matt Zarrella

3:00 pm “The Victorians: Providence at the Turn of the 19th Century,” a lecture by PPS Executive Director James Brayton Hall

4:00 pm “A Model of Respectability,” a lecture on the architecture and history of the First Baptist Church by Stan Lemons, Church Historian and Professor Emeritus of History, Rhode Island College

4:30 pm Snow Queen Presentation

5:00 pm Houses Close for touring

5:30-5:45 pm Line up for the Parade led by the 2nd RI Regiment Fife and Drum Corp

5:45 pm Parade begins

6:00 pm Tree lighting with Mayor, Snow Queen will be on hand to grant children wishes.

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