“Pregnant Woman Coming Through!” were the words uttered by Drew Johnson, owner of The Greeks in downtown Narberth, on an afternoon of the Annual Dickens Festival held on a sunny Sunday of December.
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 in a previous year, cry in your beer for only a moment because this bigger-and-better event, Dickens willing, will take place propitiously on Sunday, December 7. Visit https://www.narberthonline.com/dickens-festival.html for details.
An estimated small stadium of visitors and re-enactors will participate 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 p.m.” 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 and 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, three-year old teacher needed for preschool. 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. Itdraws 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 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 Dickens Festival also features Ebenezer Scrooge and all the characters from “A Christmas Carol,” along with dozens of period-authentic costumed performers and a free scavenger hunt with prizes for kids from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
In past years, music throughout the afternoon includes “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.
Anticipated fun for children of all ages are 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 is a “filibuster” reading of “A Christmas Carol” from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Narberth Bookshop, plus a complimentary showing of “A Muppet Christmas Carol” at 11 a.m. at Reel Cinemas Narberth 2.
Not to miss are “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-plus only) and hot chocolate in souvenir mugs, supplemented by period-inspired vendors and street food are 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 otherBorough organizations, entrance into the festival and most of the activities are historically free.
Most of all, on Sunday, December 7, expect to experience the spirit of sweetness, goodwill, and happiness which the annual Narberth Dickens Festival embodies, featuring very special people of the Borough of Narberth, incorporated in 1895.
In anticipation of a marvelous Dickens Festival, “Reflect upon your present blessings – of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of whichall men have some.” — Charles Dickens.