Lots for visitors to do in Bishop Hill
Editor’s note: Because of space limitations, only the first part of Sherry Linscott’s letter appeared in last week’s Orion Gazette.
Below is the remainder of the letter, which urged everyone to remember that only three historic sites are scheduled to close in Bishop Hill. The rest of the village remains open to welcome visitors, and several special events are still offered.
• Sept. 27-28: Jordbruksdagarna Agriculture Days. Celebrating Bishop Hill’s agrarian heritage, this event features traditional 19th century harvest activities and demonstrations, hands-on activities, music, farm produce, vintage baseball, and Colony stew.
• Oct. 11-12: A Gathering of Authors. Meet authors of fiction, suspense, historic, children and more. Authors sell and sign their books and read selected passages from their work. Colony Blacksmith shop, second floor, noon–5 p.m.
• Nov. 2: Olof Krans Birthday, 170th birthday of Bishop Hill’s artist. Birthday cake and punch. Bishop Hill Museum, Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, 2–4 p.m.
• Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 6-7: Julmarknad Christmas Market, sights, sounds, and aromas of Christmas past. Swedish folk characters roam the village. Special music, Swedish food specialties, handmade wares, folk art, antiques. Make and Take Holiday Workshops 1 and 3 p.m. at the Steeple Building. Christmas Cookie Walk, select from a large array of delicious holiday cookies, made by community’s bakers, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Dec. 12-13: Lucia Nights and Festival of Lights: 6-9 p.m. “Lucias” serve coffee and sweets in museums and shops. Special music at various locations: Peoria Cooperative Academy Chorale, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Blacksmith Shop, and Saturday, 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Blacksmith Shop.
• Dec. 25, Julotta, candlelight nondenominational service in the Colony Church, 6 a.m. Service conducted in English and Swedish. Coffee and rusks served following service.
For more information, call (309) 927-3899. A current calendar of events is on www.bishophillartscouncil.com.
Sherry Linscott, Bishop Hill