Homestead to Host Annual Holiday Gathering Monday

The Saucon Valley Conservancy will host its 19th annual Holiday Gathering on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 from 6pm to 9pm at , which is located at 1890-92 Friedensville Road in Lower Saucon Township.

Along with holiday cheer, this year's event will also feature a Meet the Artists reception for the Heller Homestead gallery's current featured exhibitors, the Bethlehem Palette Club's Plein Air Group, whose paintings will be on display through Dec. 18 (the gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm). The gathering will also include a book-signing by Ian Cramb, a fifth generation stonemason and the author of "The Stonemason's Gospel According to Ian Cramb."

Another highlight of the evening will be the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the unique ambience of the period-furnished homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Saucon Valley Girl Scouts from Ambassador Troop 8948, Senior Troop 8480 and Cadette Troop 8505, who will be dressed in vintage apparel, will guide visitors through the decorated rooms of the homestead and explain the significance of furnishings and period decor.

"Decorated Christmas trees will be on display, reflecting the progression of ornamentation available to German families throughout the years," according to a press release about the event issued by the conservancy.

Wine, cheese and other light fare will be served at this event, which is free and open to the public.

For more information, call conservancy president Priscilla deLeon at 610-216-0566 or visit www.sauconvalleyconservancy.org. The snow date for the event is Tuesday, Dec. 6.