Mangano Announces New Dates For Candlelight Evenings At Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has announced new dates for one of Long Island’s most cherished holiday traditions: “Candlelight Evenings” at Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR). This program will be presented at the 19th Century living history museum on two weekends: December 9-11 and December 16-18, 2011. Hours will be from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies on December 10th at 6:00 p.m. will include the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting and holiday musical performances.

Candlelight Evenings offers a Hallmark card setting of flickering candles inside the Village’s historic homes, along with 19th Century holiday decorations and entertainment, all set within the confines of a rural valley setting. Among the forms of 19th Century entertainment offered will be musical entertainment, including a brass quartet and fiddlers playing popular seasonal tunes as well as music by local schools and organizations. Also featured will be traditional American dancers and readings of classic holiday children’s stories.

In addition, visitors can warm up around the bonfire in the Village’s crossroads and enjoy hot, mulled cider and ginger cookies at the Noon Inn, for a small fee. This year’s event will include a holiday crafts fair on both weekends at the decorated Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall.

“We invite all to take some time from their busy holiday schedules to step back in time for a 19th Century holiday experience,” noted County Executive Mangano. “We encourage visitors to bring their own safe lighting devices, though no open-flame candles or propane devices.”

The Village will be closed during its regular daytime hours on Candlelight Evenings dates and will close for the winter at 9:30 p.m. on December 18, reopening on March 31, 2012. Old Bethpage Village Restoration provides visitors with a unique and wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a recreated mid-19th Century American village set on more than 200 acres. Regular hours are Wed. - Sun., 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Entrance fees are: $7.00 for children 5 - 12 (those under 5 are free), seniors and volunteer firefighters; and $10.00 for adults.

OBVR is located on Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage; for more information, please call: 516-572-8400. For more information about the Parks Department, please visit: www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks or call: 516-572-0200.