By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Traditionally, Lorenzo State Historic Site closes out each year with the annual Friends of Lorenzo (FOL) Member-Guest Christmas Preview Party and a holiday celebration featuring guided tours of the decorated mansion, seasonal refreshments, live music and sleigh rides.
This year, with support from the FOL, Lorenzo will be moving its holiday festivities outdoors.
“Even though we couldn’t have our typical Christmas event during this difficult time, we wanted to offer something so that folks could continue their holiday tradition of visiting Lorenzo,” said Jackie Roshia, Lorenzo’s interpretive programs assistant. “We know that our Christmas event is one of our most popular with the community and thought that moving it outside would be a safe alternative while still bringing some holiday cheer and maintaining a bit of normalcy. With so many events being cancelled during 2020, we’re happy to be able to offer an outdoor alternative to our holiday event.”
Staff and volunteers will be lighting and decorating 14 new evergreens in the “Dark Aisle” — a historic grove of trees surrounding Lorenzo’s formal garden.
Donated by the Syracuse Garden Club, the evergreens were introduced over the past year as part of an on-going maintenance program designed to replace trees lost to time and weather.
“Coincidentally, these new trees are the perfect size for decorating and inspired us to invite our talented decorators to get creative,” said Roshia.
The following community members volunteered to decorate this year: Dixie Conway, Kathleen Conway Hoak, Beth Duffy, Joe Duffy, Amy Haube, Pat Hill, Kate Hill, Linda Kellish, Terry Kramer, Gary Johnson, Emily Marascia, Kerstin McKay, Megan McKay, Jennifer Quinn, Wendy Van der Bogart, Elizabeth Whiting and Nancy Whiting.
Visitors are invited to independently walk through the Dark Aisle, free of charge, from Saturday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 27, anytime from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
To enter the grove, follow the path from the first lit tree that is visible from the parking lot.
Masks are required when social distancing is not possible. Visitors are asked to walk in small groups to avoid overcrowding and to leash and clean up after their pets.
On Saturday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 19, the FOL will present a holiday fundraiser in partnership with The Lincklaen House.
On both days, the restaurant will offer two Lorenzo menu options for on-site dining or take-out. A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of each meal will be donated to the FOL.
The menu choices include baked ziti and barbecued beef, including sides.
According to Lorenzo Site Manager Michael Roets, The Lincklaen House has always been a great supporter of the FOL and its events.
“Friends of Lorenzo President Kathleen Conway Hoak contacted them with the idea of partnering for a fundraiser,” said Roets. “As the Friends have had no opportunities for fundraising during 2020, it seemed like a perfect fit to pair this with our holiday event. Hopefully folks will let The Lincklaen House do the cooking while the Lorenzo Dark Aisle brings [them] some holiday joy.”
For additional menu information, call the Lincklaen House at 315-655-3461.
Located at 17 Rippleton Road in Cazenovia, Lorenzo State Historic Site is operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Overlooking Cazenovia Lake, Lorenzo is the Federal-style home of Cazenovia founder and Holland Land Company agent John Lincklaen. The mansion was established in 1807 and was continually occupied by the family until the property was conveyed to New York State in 1968.
Founded in 1975, the FOL is a non-profit organization that serves to supplement ongoing programs at the Lorenzo State Historic Site; sponsor special social, cultural or historical programs; underwrite restoration projects; and assist in the maintenance of completed projects.
“The Friends of Lorenzo support the preservation and interpretation of Lorenzo State Historic Site, and without their contributions many of Lorenzo’s events and restoration projects would not be possible,” said Roets. “During 2020 the Friends provided outdoor interpretive signs and funding to maintain the Ellen Biddle Shipman-designed garden, which were well-appreciated by patrons looking for safe and calming outdoor spaces in these uncertain times. As it has been a difficult year for fund raising, we hope that folks will consider becoming a member to support the Friends of Lorenzo.”
For more information on Lorenzo State Historic Site, call 315-655-3200 or visit parks.ny.gov or friendsoflorenzo.org.
