"It's A Wonderful Life" in Seneca Falls

65th Anniversary Celebration
Featuring "The Bailey Sisters"

Friday, December 9th - Sunday, December 11th 2011

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:
SUNDAY, December 4th:

  • 6 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., Lower Level. Tickets can be purchased for $6 at WomanMade Products, 91 Fall Street, (315) 568-9364

THURSDAY, December 8th:

  • 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., Lower Level. Tickets can be purchased for $6 at WomanMade Products, 91 Fall Street, (315) 568-9364

FRIDAY, December 9th:

  • 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
    THE SENECA FALLS IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE MUSEUM
    Raffle of items signed by Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs-Mueller, Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”) and Argentina Brunetti (“Mrs. Martini”), 32 Fall St. Drawing on Sunday. Need not be present to win.
  • 10 AM - NOON
    HELP PAINT THE “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” MURAL
    Women’s Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    AUCTION -- IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE BRIDGE PAINTING
    Drop your bid in the Auction Box all weekend. Zuzu's Café, 107 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    “GINGERBREAD BEDFORD FALLS”
    Vote for entries in the Second Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread Contest at the Seneca Falls Visitor Center and Seneca Museum, 89 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    FESTIVAL OF 24 WREATHS
    Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Business Association with proceeds from raffle of the wreaths, each donated by a local business, going to the House of Concern and the Seneca Falls Business Association. Seneca Falls Visitor Center, 89 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    REGISTRATION FOR THE “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST
    Dress as your favorite character from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and walk in the parade on Saturday. Register at Sinicropi Florist & Gift Shop, 64 Fall Street all day Friday or from 9:00-Noon on Saturday.
  • 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” at the Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St.
  • 6:30 PM
    KAROLYN GRIMES SHARES INSIGHTS & EXPERIENCES: "IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE"
    Seneca Falls Community Center, Water St.
  • 6:30 PM
    "IT'S A WONDERFUL BEDTIME" - FAMILY STORY TIME
    Seneca Falls Library, 47 Cayuga St. Stories with gingerbread themes will be read followed by the opportunity for children to decorate gingerbread cookies.

SATURDAY, December 10th:

  • 9 AM - 2 PM  
    BEDFORD FALLS HOLIDAY POSTMARK
    Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.
  • 9 AM
    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. Women's Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St.
  • 9 AM - NOON
    “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST
    Dress as your favorite character from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and walk in the parade. Judging after the parade at the Community Center. Register at Sinicropi Florist & Gift Shop, 64 Fall Street.
  • 9 AM - 5 PM
    AUCTION -- IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE BRIDGE PAINTING
    Drop your bid in the Auction Box all weekend. Zuzu's Café, 107 Fall St.
  • 10 AM
    8th ANNUAL GEORGE BAILEY AWARD
    Presented by Karolyn Grimes. Sponsored by the IDEA Center for the Voices of Humanity, 32 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - NOON 
    HELP PAINT THE “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” MURAL
    Women’s Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 4 PM  
    SANTA, CRAFTS, MUSIC & STORIES FOR KIDS
    Free Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10-2. Blossoms by Cosentino, 106 Fall St. All crafts and activities are free.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    THE SENECA FALLS IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE MUSEUM
    32 Fall St. Raffle of items signed by Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs-Mueller, Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”) and Argentina Brunetti (“Mrs. Martini”). Drawing on Sunday. Need not be present to win.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    “GINGERBREAD BEDFORD FALLS”
    Vote for entries in the Second Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread Contest at the Seneca Falls Visitor Center and Seneca Museum, 89 Fall St. A wonderful hearty soup for tasting and tours all day.
  • 10 AM - 5 PM
    FESTIVAL OF 24 WREATHS
    Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Business Association with proceeds from raffle of the wreaths, each donated by a local business, going to the House of Concern and the Seneca Falls Business Association. Seneca Falls Visitor Center, 89 Fall St.
  • 10 AM
    FREE ROASTED CHESTNUTS
    Back by Popular Demand. Served by the Knights of Columbus Donations accepted to benefit The Seneca County Children’s Christmas Project. The corner of Fall and State Streets, by the Hotel Clarence, for as long as they last.
  • 11 AM
    LIGHTING THE TRAIL
    Christmas tree lighting, caroling, Amelia Bloomer cookies and Ludovico Sculpture Trail white wine. Ludovico Sculpture Trail, South of the Bridge.
  • 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 - 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 WAGON RIDES
    Leaves from the American Legion, 48 State St. Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Savings Bank.
  • 11 AM - 4 PM   
    AMERICAN LEGION CRAFT FAIR
    Free refreshments and music honoring all service personnel, past and present, 48 State St.
  • 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, 100 Fall St.
  • NOON - 3 PM 
    CHRISTMAS PROGRAM BY BOB PIORUN & FRIENDS
    Seneca Falls Visitor Center and Seneca Museum, 89 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 - 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).
  • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
    LOCK 52 BAND PERFORMS AT ZUZU’S
    Soup bar and Hot Chocolate bar, Special cookies, 107 Fall St.
  • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
    GIANT CINNAMON BUN-EATING CONTEST AT ZUZU’S
    107 Fall St.
  • 4 PM - 6 PM 
    COFFEE & SWEET TREATS
    Warm up as you watch the race. Sponsored by the Mynderse Academy Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team, People's Park.
  • 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, Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall 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., Lower Level. Tickets can be purchased for $8 at WomanMade Products, 91 Fall Street (315) 568-9364.
  • 6 PM
    CHRISTMAS BELLES: VINTAGE WEDDING GOWNS AND PARTY DRESSES FASHION SHOW
    Seneca Falls Community Center, Gourmet Desserts for Sale.
  • 7 PM 
    PRE-DANCE INSTRUCTION
    Seneca Falls Community Center Gym, Water St.
  • 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 11th:

  • 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 - NOON
    HELP PAINT THE “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” MURAL
    Women’s Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 1 PM
    CLARENCE'S BRUNCH
    Call Hotel Clarence for reservations (315) 712-4000. $18.50 - adults; $15.72 - senior citizens; $9.25 - children.
  • 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 2:30 at The Seneca Falls It's a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
  • 10 AM - 2:30PM
    THE SENECA FALLS IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE MUSEUM
    32 Fall St. Raffle of items signed by Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs-Mueller, Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”) and Argentina Brunetti (“Mrs. Martini”). Drawing at 2:45 PM. Need not be present to win.
  • 10 AM - 3 PM
    “GINGERBREAD BEDFORD FALLS”
    Seneca Falls Visitor Center & Seneca Museum, 89 Fall St.
  • 11 AM - 3 PM
    “A GLIMPSE OF CHRISTMAS”
    Tour of Historic Homes Sponsored by the Seneca Falls Historical Society. Call (315) 568-8412 for tickets: $10 pre-sale; $15 day of the event.
  • 11 AM - 3 PM
    CLARENCE’S HEAVENLY CONFECTIONS
    Sample desserts and other confections at downtown merchants along Fall Street. 
  • NOON - 2 PM
    DECORATING CHRISTMAS COOKES
    Children through age 12. Seneca Falls Community Center
  • 12:15 PM
    THE BAILEY SISTERS, ZUZU & JANIE, INTRODUCE "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"
    Auditorium, Old Mynderse Academy, Academy Square,12 North Park St.
  • 1 PM
    SPECIAL 65TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"
    Auditorium, Old Mynderse Academy, Academy Square, 12 North Park St. Sponsored by the Delavan Foundation.
  • 1 PM
    “MERRY CHRISTMAS GEORGE BAILEY”
    "Bedford Falls Bijou Theatre," 115 Fall St., Lower Level. . 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).
  • 2:45 PM
    DRAWING FOR RAFFLE OF AUTOGRAPHED ITEMS
    The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
  • 3:15PM - 3:45 PM
    CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT TRINITY CHURCH
    Fifth Grade Chorus from the Elizabeth Cady Stanton School and the Mynderse Academy Chamber Singers, 27 Fall St.
  • 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. Learn how you can participate.

All Month

  • Holiday Shopping Specials
    See downtown merchants throughout the month