Pat Byrne
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- West Springfield, Mass. -- November 12, 2008
More Info: 413-205-5041
Info Line: 413-205-5115
STORROWTON VOLUNTEER AND DECORATOR PAT BYRNE
TO CREATE DELLA ROBIA FRUIT BOARDS FOR YULETIDE AT STORROWTON
Pat Byrne, of West Springfield, Mass., will adorn the Gilbert House entry and create her popular Della Robia Fruit Boards at Storrowton Village Museum's Yuletide at Storrowton. The site's free winter holiday festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7 on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition.
Former "Yuletide" coordinator, long-time Storrowton volunteer and area decorator, Byrne will use original boards found in the attic of the Village's Potter Mansion and display them outside of the historic home's doorways. Her original works of art include rhododendron leaves and fruit applied to nails on the boards. They also serve as a source of winter food for birds in the area. According to Byrne, the boards will last until the middle of January.
Her artistry can also be seen during Storrowton's Open House Tours, Dec. 8 - 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Lantern Light tour, Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Master Gardeners of Storrowton who will coordinate the entire decorating project and Yuletide coordinator Thelma Greene will oversee all event decorating. Holiday ideas abound in the Village's distinctive buildings and notepads are welcome. Materials found in a backyard or nearby wooded area may be used to recreate some of the arrangements displayed for your own holiday decor.
Participating clubs and florists include: Agawam Garden Club, Potter Mansion Kitchen; East Longmeadow Garden Club, Schoolhouse; West Springfield Garden Club, Potter Mansion Dining Room; Springfield Garden Club, Potter Mansion Parlor and Entry; Floral Concepts by Tom, Meetinghouse; Flowers by Webster, Gilbert House Parlor; Grandmother's Garden of Westfield, Blacksmith Shop; Merry Mite Gardens (Suffield, Conn.), Gilbert House Sitting Room; Garden Club of the Westfield Woman's Club, Eddy Law Office; Bloomin' Bunch of Conn., Gilbert House Kitchen; and the Eastern States Exposition Landscape Department, Village Gazebo and exterior wreaths.
Yuletide at Storrowton hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the event is filled with traditional Yuletide activities for the entire family including musical presentations, entertainment, shopping and animals.
Holiday gifts, decorations and Yankee Candles will be sold at the Storrowton Village Gift Shop in the Phillips House and the Christmas Shop in Potter Mansion during all Yuletide events and activities. The Storrowton Village Gift Shop is also open Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. plus Sat., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. through December.
Parking for all Storrowton events is free. For more information, call the village at (413) 205-5051, the information line at 413-205-5115 or visit us at www.TheBigE.com/Yuletide
Storrowton Village Museum, an educational arm of Eastern States Exposition, presents hands-on school programs and guided tours of its historic buildings throughout the year as well as seasonal 19th century-themed events. It is the site of Storrowton Tavern/Carriage House and Storrowton Village Museum Gift Shop and is a picturesque, popular site for weddings held in its Meetinghouse and Gazebo.
-30-
Note to Editor: Photos available at www.thebige.com/media/yuletide.html