Ipswich Evergreen... get involved

Dear IGC Members,

Are you interested in helping out at a special town event in
December?
Perhaps you’ve heard that the Ipswich Recreation and Culture Department is planning on a community solstice event on Saturday, December 21st, 1 pm – 4 pm. The event, Ipswich Evergreen, will take place at the Hall-Haskell House, the Ipswich Museum, and the lawn in between the 2 buildings. Part of the scheduled activities include assembling arrangements out of greens. A local vendor has agreed to donate greens, but the committee is looking for individuals to help provide some basic instruction to participants. Our local garden clubs are being asked to see if they would like to participate. See the event summary and schedule of events below. Would any members of the Ipswich Garden Club be interested in getting involved?

For more information on volunteering, contact Trina H. Schell, The Trustees of the Reservations/ The Crane Estate mailto:tschell@ttor.orgtschell@ttor.org. Find information on the event at: http://www.ipswichvisitorcenter.org/events/holiday-2012/

Event Summary and Schedule of Events  
Ipswich Evergreen is envisioned as an event where people gather and do things together as a community, celebrating the very best of what Ipswich has to offer. Promotion will begin as early at September 28, in coordination with Ipswich Illuminated.


PLANNED ACTIVITIES:

Evergreen Décor

Participants will be able to make and take home bouquets, swags, wreaths, etc out of tree trimmings donated by Heliotrope Tree Farm. (We will contact the Garden Clubs to see if one or more of their members are willing to help children and adults create these.)

Stories for children

3 books have been chosen to be presented by talented reader/performers. These will rotate every 20 minutes throughout the event. Location will be indoors, either at the Hall Haskell House gallery or in the Ipswich Museum. (More on that later!)

Craft project

Tying into one of the stories (The Night Tree), a craft station will be set up to create pinecone ornament/feeders to hang outside for birds.

Theatre by and for children

Actors Company will present an original production of “Stone Soup” at least one time, perhaps more.

Ice sculpture

Wolf Hollow will create an ice sculpture at the beginning of the day to be enjoyed by all. It will remain in place as long as weather allows.

Art show

An art show, curated by Time & Tide Fine Art will be presented in the Hall Haskell House gallery. Ipswich’s finest artists will present artwork reflecting Winter Light in Ipswich. This show will be on display December 17-22.

Music performances

Essex Harmony (an a cappella group) and North Shore Ringers (handbells) are confirmed. Others may be added

Changing the Present

One of the most meaningful aspects of the event will be a display of non-profit organizations (TTOR, Cuvilly, Ipswich Agricultural Commission, Ipswich River Watershed, Audubon, etc have been invited). This is an opportunity for the organizations to highlight their activities and to offer people a chance to purchase gifts that make a difference… memberships, promotional items, etc. This is tentatively planned for the Appleton Room at the Ipswich Museum, but this location has not been confirmed at this time.

Candy cane hunt

Much like an Easter egg hunt with candy canes “hidden” in tree branches for small children to find and claim.

Winter Get-up and Go Contest

In order to encourage people to dress warmly and join the fun outdoors, we will have wandering judges who will give out awards (buttons) for winter costuming of special note. “Wackiest Hat,” “Warmest Looking Coat,” “Fuzziest Boots,” this sort of thing. Could be handled by high school students or a service organization.

ADDITIONAL POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES:

Soup party

Various groups (restaurants, civic organizations, etc) will be invited to make and sell homemade soups, supporting the Stone Soup play and keeping visitors warm at the same time.

Petting Zoo

This is a late breaking idea, and is not confirmed yet. Would be presented by the Ipswich Agriculture Commission.

Skating

In the event of an early hard freeze, it could be possible to have skating on Sally’s Pond.