Holiday Evenings at Rock Ledge Ranch Dec. 14-15

       The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site will offer the sights, sounds and aromas of the Christmas season Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14-15 with its annual Holiday Evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. both nights,
       Among the featured activities will be:
  • The first tours for the general public of the Orchard House's restored second and third floors.
  • Pikes Peak region favorite Tom O'Boyle playing piano in the barn from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday.
  • A barn dance with the Beadles providing fiddle and guitar and Merell Folsom doing the calling from 7 to 8 p.m. both nights.
           Helping head up the planning for the first time is Beth Harmon, a long-time docent who was recently hired as the ranch's lead interpreter. “I've been really enjoying it,” she said. “I'm realizing all the work that goes on behind the scenes.”
           She replaced Cheryl Catalano, who stepped down from the paid position at the end of October.
           According to Harmon, other Holiday Evenings activities will include:
  • Festivities in both the Orchard House and Rock Ledge House.
  • Lantern-light tours to the 1860s homestead cabin.
  • Carriage House activities, including a Victorian Saint Nicholas.
  • Blacksmith demonstrations.
  • Displays of vintage newspaper clippings throughout the site.
  • Other musicians (not yet finalized) between 5 and 7 p.m. both nights in the barn, as well as strolling musicians, which are expected to include Jodie Adams, Mark Gardner and possibly Harmon herself.
  • “Jingle bell” wagon rides, bonfires for marshmallow toasting and the lighting of the plum pudding.
           Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for ages 13 to 18 and 55 and over, $1 for ages 6 to 12, and free for 5 and under. The fee includes all activities except food and photos with St. Nick.
           Entry is at the admissions hut by the ranch parking lot southwest of 30th Street and Gateway Road.
           For more information, call 578-6777.

    Westside Pioneer/press release