Sonnenberg to open for the season on 4/30

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park opens its gates on April 30th for its 43rd season as a public park. Sonnenberg, originally built and owned by banker Frederick Ferris Thompson and his wife Mary Clark Thompson, opened as a public park and gardens in 1973 after ownership was transferred from the US government to a nonprofit friends group. Today, Sonnenberg Gardens is one of the premier tourist attractions of the region and is open daily May through October welcoming 35,000 people annually to its Victorian estate featuring a 40-room mansion, 9 historic gardens, and antique green house complex. This park is also a popular wedding venue and home to the Finger Lakes Wine Center.Sonnenberg Gardens is open rain or shine, 7 days a week April 30 through October 31, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm with extended hours of 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. General admission is $14 per person, $12/Seniors (60+) and AAA members, $7/Students (13-17 years & college w/ ID) and Military personnel w/ ID, $2/Children (4-12 years) and Free for 3 and under. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is located one mile from downtown Canandaigua at 151 Charlotte Street. For more information, call their offices at 585-394-4922 or visit their website at www.sonnenberg.org.Throughout the year, Sonnenberg Gardens maintains a very active special events calendar and kicks off its 2016 garden season opening weekend with its annual Sonnenberg Spring 5K Run/Stroll. This timed race invites participants to run or walk a route around the Sonnenberg Gardens and Canandaigua VA Hospital grounds that are bursting with beautiful spring flowers. Awards are given for finishers in a variety of categories. Entry fee is $25/person pre-registration and $30/day of the race to participate. Call or see website to preregister. All proceeds to benefit the daily operation of Sonnenberg Gardens. Race sponsored by Lyons National Bank, CIG Canandaigua Insurance Group, Bristol Mountain Winter Resort, Denby Vending, Dobber’s Sport Bar and Grill, The Green Front Restaurant, Wally’s Pub, Ray’s Restaurant, and Mitchell Pierson, Inc.