It might be one of the most-identifiable celebratory weekends in the Finger Lakes.
This weekend the Town of Seneca Falls will be transformed into Bedford Falls, based on the 1946 film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. The weekend festival, which features a number of events, including one of the region’s biggest foot races — is a blockbuster for the Town — drawing thousands annually.
Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a classic. It’s set in the fictional Town of Bedford Falls, but locals have always said the connection to Seneca Falls is obvious.
It’s easy to get into the spirit of the holiday season in Seneca Falls. Sean Painter with the “It’s a Wonderful Life Festival Committee” says Seneca Falls is the place to be this time of year and the lights all over town make you get into the Christmas season, “If there is such a thing as a Hallmark movie town this would probably be it just because we live the Christmas season.”
Scroll down for the full weekend schedule & more important info below…
Weekend Preview…
Getting Around
The Bedford Falls Express Shuttle will be providing transportation between downtown, the different venues and the Hampton Inn, Quality Inn and Microtel.
The transfer point will be The Gould Hotel.
Road Closures (from the SFPD):
“The Town of Seneca Falls Police Department would like to advise its residents and visitors of the following road closures and detours for the Its A Wonderful 5K Run which will take place on December 8th at 4:40 p.m. The roads that will be affected are Bridge St, West Bayard St, Veteran’s Bridge, Rumsey St, Chapel St, State St, Butler Ave, Troy St, Tyre Ave, Cayuga St, Fall St and Water St. The roads will be closed from 4 p.m. until the conclusion of the race, approximately 7 p.m. The area around the Seneca Falls Community Center located at 35 Water St Seneca Falls, will also be closed off to traffic on December 8th from 7 a.m. until approximately 7 p.m.”
Shuttle Hours:
Friday, December 7th: 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Saturday, December 8th: 9 am – 11:30 pm
Sunday, December 9th: 9 am – 9:30 pm
FULL WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, December 6th
7 pm – 8:15 pm
“Merry Christmas, George Bailey!” by the Seneca Community Players. You don’t want to miss this live radio show! Come to the Academy Square Auditorium at 12 N. Park St. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance at WomanMade Products in Seneca Falls, by phone at 315-568-9364 or at the door.
Friday, December 7th
9 am – 9:30 am
“Zuzu, My Little Gingersnap” presentation by Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu Bailey) on the origin and continuing impact of the name “Zuzu.” “Zuzu’s Gingersnaps” will be available for purchase. Bee’s Café, 107 Fall St.
9 am – 4 pm
Shopping in Bailey Park Vendor Village. Located at Bailey Park Tent on the corner of Fall and Cayuga Streets (near Chemung
Canal Bank).
9 am – 5 pm
Bedford Falls Station Holiday Postal Cancellation. Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.
Every Time a Bell Rings…” Purchase a bell to put on the bridge with your name or the name of someone you would like to honor. It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Exhibit: “The Creative Genius of Set Director Emile Kuri: From Bedford Falls to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Disneyland.” The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Exhibit: “Donna Reed, Another Mother for Peace: Efforts to Create a Department of Peace and a Secretary of Peace.” Sign the petition for a Secretary of Peace and a Department of Peace. The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
“It’s a Wonderful Quilt Raffle”. The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall Street.
Classic episodes of The Donna Reed Show that challenge gender and racial stereotypes will be shown at different times throughout the day at the Guntzel Theater, Women’s Rights NHP, 136 Fall St.
9am – 6 pm
Seneca Falls Historical Society will offer Gift Shop and Specialty Wine sales in the lobby of the Gould Hotel.
10am– 10:30 am
“Bread, Salt & Wine” Housewarming with Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life in association with Habitat for Humanity, 25 Grove St., Waterloo, NY.
10am – 8 pm
$500 Money Tree raffle to benefit the House of Concern. Seneca Museum/Visitor Center, 89 Fall St.
Early Christmas Card Display by County Historian Walt Gable. Seneca Museum/Visitor Center, 89 Fall St.
9th Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread House Competition. Seneca Museum/Visitor Center, 89 Fall St.
SFBA Festival of Wreaths Fund Raiser. Seneca Museum/Visitor Center, 89 Fall St.
Author Michael Willian with “The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life Film Guidebook”. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
11am – 11:45 am
Welcome Reception Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of The Donna Reed Show, featuring Mary Owen (Donna Reed’s daughter), Jimmy Hawkins (long-time cast member of The Donna Reed Show), Tony Owen (Donna Reed’s son) and Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
12 pm (noon)
“On the Air with Jimmy Stewart” featuring Brian Rohan as Jimmy Stewart performing excerpts from Jimmy Stewart’s radio interviews. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
12 pm (noon) – 4 pm
Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life sign autographs. Items for sale include autograph. Fee for items you bring yourself. Arc Building, 31 Fall St. (old library, opposite the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum).
12 pm (noon) – 5 pm
It’s a Wonderful Life Characters on Fall Street.
1 pm – 2 pm
Presentation by Mary Owen (Donna Reed’s daughter) and Tony Owen (Donna Reed’s son): Remembering Donna Reed on the 60th Anniversary of The Donna Reed Show. Classic episodes of The Donna Reed Show will be shown. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
1 pm – 3:15 pm
Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Academy Square Auditorium located at 12 N. Park Street. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
2 pm – 3 pm
Presentation by Jeanine Roose (Young Violet Bick): “The faith of a child – simple.” Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
3 pm – 4pm
Presentation by Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey): “The Difference Between Being a Child Actor and a Child Star.” Jimmy Hawkins talks about his 75-year career in film and television, including his role as “Tagg Oakley” in the “Annie Oakley” Series. 4PM: The National Women’s Hall of Fame Pays Tribute to Gail Davis – “Annie Oakley” – the first woman to have a lead role in a television western and the first woman to star in her own series. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
3 pm – 6:30 pm
House of Concern Chicken Barbecue and Bake Sale at the First Presbyterian Church located at 23 Cayuga St. Pre-sale tickets are available at the House of Concern (35 State Street), the Copy Shop (105 Fall Street) or on-line at www.houseofconcern.org. Walk-ins are welcome.
4 pm – 6:15 pm
Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Academy Square Auditorium located at 12 N. Park St. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
4 pm – 8 pm
Mrs. Martini’s Pasta Dinner and Movie Trivia. Now located at 55 Fall St. (next to Downtown Deli). Come join us for a wonderful meal and great ambiance and trivia fun! Reservations may be made at the Festival Information Center at 103 Fall St. or on-line atwww.therealbedfordfalls.com.
5 pm- 8 pm
Registration and packet pick-up for the It’s A Wonderful Run 5k, Seneca Falls Community Center, 35 Water St. Race takes place on Saturday at 4:40PM.
6 pm – 8:30 pm
It’s a Wonderful Bonfire, Tree Lighting, Caroling and Santa at People’s Park on Water Street. Music by Calvary Chapel Worship Band. Bailey’s Burgers and Hots available throughout.
6 pm – 9 pm
Frank Capra’s Preview Dinner. Advance tickets required, Call 315.568.5838. New York Chiropractic College, 2360 NY Rte. 89, Seneca Falls. Shuttles leave The Gould Hotel at 5:30PM. Free screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Delavan Theater, NY Chiropractic College at 9PM.
6 pm – 10 pm
You won’t want to miss Nick’s Place! Beer, wine, music and dancing await you. Join us at the Pottersville Tent located at the corner of Fall and Cayuga Streets. Light snacks available. No cover charge.
7 pm – 8 pm
It’s a Wonderful Life Participation Movie is being shown at the Academy Square Auditorium located at 12 N. Park St. Cost is $5 and includes a bag of props to the first 50. Tickets can be purchased at the Festival Information Center at 103 Fall St., online at www.therealbedfordfalls.com or at the door.
7:30 pm
Holiday Lights Contest Winner announced. People’s Park on Water St.
Saturday, December 7th
7:30 am – 11 am
It’s a Wonderful Breakfast at Trinity Church, 27 Fall St. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
9 am – 2 pm
Bedford Falls Station Holiday Postal Cancellation. Seneca Falls Post Office,
38 State St.
9 am – 3 pm
Free horse-drawn wagon rides. Corner of Fall and State Streets.
9 am – 4 pm
Shopping in Bailey Park Vendor Village is located at Bailey Park Tent on the corner of Fall and Cayuga Streets (near Chemung Canal Bank).
9 am – 5 pm
“It’s a Wonderful Quilt Raffle”. It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Every Time a Bell Rings… Purchase a bell to put on the bridge with your name or the name of someone you would like to honor. It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Exhibit: “The Creative Genius of Set Director Emile Kuri: From Bedford Falls to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Disneyland. The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Exhibit: “Donna Reed, Another Mother for Peace: Efforts to Create a Department of Peace and a Secretary of Peace.” Sign the petition for a Secretary of Peace and a Department of Peace. The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Classic episodes of The Donna Reed Show that challenge gender and racial stereotypes will be shown at different times throughout the day at the Guntzel Theater, Women’s Rights NHP, 136 Fall St.
9 am – 6 pm
Seneca Falls Historical Society will offer Gift Shop and Specialty Wine sales in the lobby of The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St.
9 am – 9 pm
$500 Money Tree raffle to benefit the House of Concern. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
Early Christmas Card Display by County Historian Walt Gable. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
9th Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread House Competition. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
SFBA Festival of Wreaths Fund Raiser. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89
Fall St.
Author Michael Willian with “The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life Film Guidebook” at the Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
10 am – 10:30 am
15th Annual George Bailey Award presented by Karolyn Grimes on behalf of the IDEA Center for the Voices of Humanity. Music by Seneca Singers. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St. Followed at 10:30AM by “When a Bell Rings…..” Bells will be placed on the Bailey Bridge in honor of George Bailey Award Recipients for the last 15 years.
10 am – 12 pm (Noon)
The 3rd Annual “Fill the Cruiser” Toy Drive is sponsored by the Seneca Falls Police Department. Stop by the corner of Cayuga and Fall Streets and have your picture taken with one of our officers in uniform.
Create an Ornament sponsored by Mynderse Library at Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center, 89 Fall St.
10 am – 12:15 pm
Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Academy Square Auditorium located at 12 N. Park St. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
10 am – 2 pm
Free Roasted Chestnuts by the Knights of Columbus. Corner of Fall and State Streets.
10 am – 3 pm
It’s a Wonderful Life Characters on Fall St.
American Legion Open House & Craft Fair. History of Veterans. Kirk Casey American Legion, 48 State St.
Author Greg Asimakoupoulos at Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
11 am
Giant Cinnamon Bun Eating Contest at Café XIX, 20 East Bayard St.
11 am – 12 pm
Remembering Frank Capra, in Pictures and Interviews”: Presentation by Monica Capra Hodges, Frank Capra’s grand-daughter. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
11 am – 1 pm
Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. Items for sale include autograph. Fee for items you bring yourself. Arc Building, 31 Fall St. (across from the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum).
12 pm (Noon) – 3 pm
Perry and Caren Cleaveland – Sounds of Christmas at Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
12 pm (noon) – 4 pm
Registration and packet pick-up for the It’s A Wonderful Run 5k, Seneca Falls Community Center, 35 Water St.
1 pm – 2 pm
Don’t miss the It’s a Wonderful Parade on Fall St.
2 pm – 3 pm
Presentation by Mary Owen (Donna Reed’s daughter) and Tony Owen (Donna Reed’s son).Remembering Donna Reed on the 60th Anniversary of The Donna Reed Show. Classic episodes of The Donna Reed Show will be shown. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
2 pm – 4 pm
Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. Items for sale include autograph. Fee for items you bring yourself. Arc Building, 31 Fall St. (across from the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum).
2:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Academy Square Auditorium located at 12 N. Park St. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
3pm
“On the Air with Jimmy Stewart” featuring Brian Rohan as Jimmy Stewart performing excerpts from Jimmy Stewart’s radio interviews. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
4:40 pm
The 10th Annual IT’S A WONDERFUL RUN 5K! This awesome event is a “Winter Run Like No Other”. It begins at the infamous Bailey Bridge, courses through the holiday-decorated neighborhoods of Seneca Falls, and concludes back at the Bridge where it all started! Register online at http://itsawonderfulrun5k.com.
5pm – 7pm
Taste of Bedford Falls. New Location! 95 Fall St. Come sample all the wonderful food that Bedford Falls has to offer. Tickets are available at the Festival Information Center at 103 Fall St., online at www.therealbedfordfalls.com.
5:30pm – 7:30pm
“There’s a Moon Out Tonight.” Meet and Greet with the Stars from It’s a Wonderful Life Advance tickets required, Call 315.568.5838. Advance tickets required, Call 315.568.5838. The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St.
6pm – 7:15pm
“Merry Christmas, George Bailey!” by the Seneca Community Players. You don’t want to miss this live radio show. Come to the Academy Square Auditorium at 12 N. Park St. Tickets are $10 and can purchased in advance at WomanMade Products in Seneca Falls, by phone at 315-568-9364 or at the door.
6pm – 10pm
Join us at Nick’s Place! Beer, wine, music and dancing await you. Come to the Pottersville Tent at the corner of Fall and Cayuga Streets. Light snacks available. No cover charge.
7pm – 8pm
Free Swing Dance Lesson by Groove Juice Swing from Rochester. Mynderse Academy Gym, 105 Troy St.
“Angels Among Us.”–Advance Screening. Film by Kevin Stillmock Featuring Karolyn Grimes and Actors and Musicians from Seneca Falls. Mynderse Academy Auditorium, 105 Troy St.
7:45pm – 10pm
Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Academy Square Auditorium located at 12 N. Park St. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
8pm – 11pm
“Dance by the Light of the Moon”. Andy Stobie and the Greater Finger Lakes Jazz Orchestra (19-piece orchestra). Mynderse Academy Gym, 105 Troy St. FREE admission.
8:15pm – 10:30pm
Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life. Mynderse Academy Auditorium, 105 Troy St. This event is FREE!
8:30pm – 9:30pm
Photo Opportunity with the Four Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life. $20 fee benefits the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum. Mynderse Academy Gym, 105 Troy St.
Sunday, December 9th
8:30am – 10:30am
Karolyn Grimes’ 16th Anniversary Celebration Breakfast. The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. Advance tickets required, Call 315.568.5838
8:30am – 11:30pm
2nd Annual United Way Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center, 35 Water St.
9am – 3pm
Free horse-drawn wagon rides. Corner of Fall and State Streets.
9am – 4pm
Shopping in Bailey Park Vendor Village is located at Bailey Park Tent on the corner of Fall and Cayuga Streets (near Chemung Canal Bank).
9am – 5pm
Exhibit: “The Creative Genius of Set Director Emile Kuri: From Bedford Falls to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Disneyland.” It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Exhibit: “Donna Reed, Another Mother for Peace: Efforts to Create a Department of Peace and a Secretary of Peace.” Sign the petition for a Secretary of Peace and a Department of Peace. It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
“It’s a Wonderful Quilt Raffle”. It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Every Time a Bell Rings…” Purchase a bell to put on the bridge with your name or the name of someone you would like to honor. It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
Classic episodes of The Donna Reed Show that challenge gender and racial stereotypes will be shown at different times throughout the day at the Guntzel Theater, Women’s Rights NHP, 136 Fall St.
9am – 6pm
Seneca Falls Historical Society will offer Gift Shop and Specialty Wine sales in the lobby of The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St.
9:30am – 11am
All Aboard! Bedford Falls Express Train Leaves Academy Square (12 N. Park Street) promptly at 9:30 am. Take a moment to go back in time. Enjoy this 90-minute train ride while you sip a hot beverage and take in the view. Santa may even make an appearance! Reservations required. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.therelabedfordfalls.com or the Seneca Museum/Visitor Center, 89 Fall St. or by phone at (315) 568-1510.
10am
“The Day Mr. Potter Went to Church” – Sermon by Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos. Followed by book signing at 12:30 pm. First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.
10am – 12:15pm
Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Academy Square Auditorium located at 12 N. Park Street. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
10am – 2pm
You’ll want to participate in this year’s Uncle Billy’s Wonderful Scavenger Hunt. Test your observation skills! So much fun! Come to the Festival Information Center at 103 Fall Street for more information.
10am – 3pm
It’s a Wonderful Life Characters on Fall Street.
10am – 6:00pm
$500 Money Tree raffle to benefit the House of Concern. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
Early Christmas Card Display by County Historian Walt Gable. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
9th Annual Bedford Falls Gingerbread House Competition. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
SFBA Festival of Wreaths Fund Raiser. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
Author Michael Willian with “The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life Film Guidebook ”. Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
11am – 12pm (noon)
Reading of The Greatest Gift by Seth Kennedy at the Seneca Museum/Visitor Center, 89 Fall Street.
“Our Guardian Angels are With Us Every Step of our Lives” : Presentation by Chris Edwards, Retired NYC Firefighter and 9/11 First Responder. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
11am – 2pm
Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. Items for sale include autograph. Fee for items you bring yourself. Arc Building, 31 Fall St. (across from the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum).
11am – 4pm
Tour of Historic Homes. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $15 for members; $20 for non-members. Contact the Seneca Falls Historical Society at 315-568-8412 or [email protected] Tours begin at 55 Cayuga Street.
11:30am – 1pm
All Aboard! Bedford Falls Express Train Leaves Academy Square (12 N. Park Street) promptly at 11:30 am. Take a moment to go back in time. Enjoy this 90-minute train ride while you sip a hot beverage and take in the view! Santa may even make an appearance! Reservations required. Tickets can be purchased in advance at therealbedfordfalls.com or the Seneca Museum/Visitor Center, 89 Fall St. or by phone at (315) 568-1510.
12PM (noon)
Wonderful Music Brass Ensemble. Seneca Museum, 89 Fall St.
“Jimmy Stewart on the Air” featuring Brian Rohan as Jimmy Stewart performing excerpts from Jimmy Stewart’s radio interviews. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
1pm – 2pm
Presentation by Mary Owen (Donna Reed’s daughter) and Tony Owen (Donna Reed’s son): Remembering Donna Reed on the 60th Anniversary of The Donna Reed Show. Classic episodes of The Donna Reed Show will be shown. Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
1pm – 2:15pm
“Merry Christmas, George Bailey!” by the Seneca Community Players. You don’t want to miss this live radio show! Come to the Academy Square Auditorium at 12 N. Park St. Tickets are $10 and can purchased in advance at WomanMade Products in Seneca Falls, by phone at 315-568-9364, or at the door.
1:30pm – 3pm
All Aboard! Bedford Falls Express Train Leaves Academy Square (12 N. Park Street) promptly at 1:30PM. Take a moment to go back in time. Enjoy this 90-minute train ride while you sip a hot beverage and take in the view! Santa may even make an appearance! Reservations required. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.therealbedfordfalls.com or the Seneca Museum/Visitor Center, 89 Fall St. or by phone at (315) 568-1510.
2:30pm
Prizes Awarded for Uncle Billy’s Scavenger Hunt at the Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
“In Every Kid Actor, There’s an Adult.” Presentation by Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Jeanine Roose (Young Violet Bick). Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall St.
3pm – 4:30pm
Screening of North Pole NY – a wonderful documentary about the town of North Pole, NY situated in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate NY. The town has transformed itself into a real life Santa’s Workshop and has captivated children and adults for over 50 years. Academy Square Auditorium located at 12 N. Park St.
3:30PM – 4:15pm
“You Are Now in Bedford Falls” photo opportunity with Brian Rohan as George Bailey. The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall St.
3:30pm – 5:30pm
It’s A Wonderful Life Party! Join us for a celebration at the Seneca Museum/Visitors’ Center at 89 Fall St. This event is FREE! There will be live jazz, wine, light refreshments, and money tree and wreath raffle drawings!
4:15 pm
The Bells of the Real Bedford Falls. Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life gather at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum to listen to The Bells of the Real Bedford Falls ring in honor of those who have made a difference in our lives.
4:30 pm
Seneca Singers Holiday Concert at the First Presbyterian Church 23 Cayuga St. Admission is free.
6pm – 9pm
“We’ll Raise a Cup of Kindness…For Auld Lang Syne.” Christmas Buffet Dinner with Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life and other Special Guests. Seneca Falls Country Club, 2790 Rte. 89, Seneca Falls. Advance tickets required, Call 315.568.5838.
For more information visit realbedfordfalls.com
