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Garrison’s Dickens Village Festival
2007-11-04
Story by Barbara Ricord
Photo by Dawn Charging
For three weekends each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the small, close knit community of Garrison, North Dakota, transforms itself into a quaint Victorian town from the era of Charles Dickens. Festooned in period dress, the residents volunteer to become Dickens’ characters, welcoming visitors to the Dickens Village Festival.
Authentically dressed street vendors push their wares up and down the decorated streets in wooden carts vying for visitors looking to sample a special holiday treat such as spicy turkey legs, hot roasted peanuts, fresh cinnamon rolls, and hot beverages. “The Christmas Carol” is performed each evening by local residents. And those wanting a touch of Jolly Old England on the Plains can partake in old fashioned English meals, English High Teas, and an English Market featuring more than 30 crafters.
The Dickens Village
Festival not only brings this community of 1,500 residents together, it
provides economic benefits to the community and great memories both to those
who participate and those who visit. Visit Garrison’s Dickens Village Festival
at:
http://www.dickensfestival.com
