Narberth Dickens Festival brings to life author’s words
NARBERTH — “Pregnant Woman Coming Through!” were the words uttered by Drew Johnson, owner of The Greeks in downtown Narberth, on the afternoon of the Annual Dickens Festival held on sunny Sunday, December 4.
The funny thing was that there was no pregnant woman but there was a keg being hustled through the bustling area in front of the famous “public house and tavern” serving up scrumptious Shepherd’s Pie along with a selection of 950 beers from the stock of The Greeks Next Door.
If you missed the festivities because you were glued to the Eagles’ magnificent tromp of the Tennessee Titans that afternoon, securing an 11-1 win-loss record, cry in your beer for only a moment because this bigger-and-better event, Dickens willing, will take place propitiously next year.
An estimated small stadium of visitors and re-enactors participated in this year’s happenings, with so many volunteers diligently working behind-the-scenes.
Charles Dickens’ quote “No One Is Useless In This World Who Lightens The Burden Of It To Anyone Else” is a fitting theme for the fanciful and charming “noon to 4 pm” array of “Events of the Day” as outlined in the cleverly edited “The London Fish Wrapper,” available to all comers.
Inside “The Wrapper,” one can giggle at the humor of the “Classified Advertising,” all sixteen entries conveying funny word plays with Narberth Borough addresses listed.
For example, the ad for Carriage Repair Service at 721 Essex Avenue states, “Free pickup & delivery. Try us once, you’ll never go anywhere again.”
Or, “Experienced mother will care for your child. Fenced yard at 625 Haverford Avenue, meals, and smacks included.”
And, at 5697 Dudley Avenue, “Man for hire; Honest. Will take anything.”
Next, for an Introductory Offer, go to 49 N. Narberth to “Have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home too!” Just ask for “Pokey.”
Another pitch, at 21 W. Iona, “Christmas Tag Sale! Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.”
Who could pass up this one? “At 1125 Essex, 3-Year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred. (bring cookies)”
More to say according to the Borough website: “The Narberth Dickens Festival is a free family event held each December on the streets of downtown Narberth.
“It draws thousands to this little borough every year, and it has become one of the most anticipated holiday festivals in the Philadelphia area.
“In this Dickens-themed event, the town of Narberth is transformed into 1840’s London, as Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and all the characters from “A Christmas Carol” roam the streets for an afternoon.
“There are activities and entertainment for all ages, including horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts, carolers, period vendors and food, dancers, musicians, ballet performances, puppet shows, magicians, puppeteers, a free Dickens-themed scavenger hunt for children, and much more.”
The just expired 2022 Dickens Festival featured Ebenezer Scrooge and all the characters from “A Christmas Carol,” along with dozens of period-authentic costumed performers; a free scavenger hunt with prizes for kids from 1pm to 3pm; and horse and carriage rides through the streets of Narberth.
Music throughout the afternoon included The “Men of Harmony” Dickensian Carolers, the Waldron Mercy “Treblemakers” Choir, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Chorale, and The Kingsessing Morris Men and the Fiddlekicks Dancers.
Fun for children of all ages provided Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus & Wahoo Medicine Show, Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy Puppet Show, “Castaways” singing performances, and free craft activities for kids.
Of special pedigree was a “filibuster” reading of “A Christmas Carol” from 1-3 pm at the Narberth Bookshop, plus a complimentary showing of “A Muppet Christmas Carol” at 11am at Reel Cinemas Narberth 2.
Not to miss was “The Nutcracker” excerpt performances at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet featuring handsome and well-rehearsed dancers.
To soothe the stomach and fill the belly, hot toddies from local establishments (age 21+ only) and hot chocolate in souvenir mugs, supplemented by period-inspired vendors and street food were for sale throughout the Festival.
Thanks to generous donations of sponsorship dollars and “muscle” from members of the Narberth Business Association, Narberth Civic Association, and other Borough organizations, entrance into the festival and most of the activities are historically free.
Carriage rides cost a Narberth Shilling (= $5 coin), and there were various souvenirs for sale as well.
Most of all, if you would like to re-experience the spirit of sweetness, goodwill, and happiness which the annual Narberth Dickens Festival embodies, take several minutes to view this 2019 pre-COVID Radnor Studio 21 portrayal, featuring very special people of the Borough of Narberth, incorporated 1895: https://archive.org/details/rs21pa-2019_Narberth_Dickens_Festival
And, until next year, “Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” — Charles Dickens.
Photos provided by Mary Brown
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