November 28, 2006 > Local school bands and choirs kick-off annual Ardenwood holiday event

On Friday, December 1, over 100 local junior high and high school band and choir members will be on stage at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.† Six performances beginning at 11:00 am will officially open Ardenwood’s popular Christmas weekend celebration which lasts through Sunday December 3.

“The kids are the highlight of the weekend,” states Ardenwood’s Supervising Naturalist, Ira Bletz.† “It’s refreshing to see so many talented young people involved in their school music programs. They deserve a lot of recognition for their commitment and hard work throughout the year and particularly at this performance.” Bands and choirs from Fremont, Newark, and Hayward will perform (see schedule below).

Christmas at Ardenwood is an annual event. Over the course of the weekend, visitors will enjoy live music, visits with Father Christmas, making holiday crafts, cooking demonstrations, and the kid-pleasing hunt for the Yule Log. This year features a home-made Christmas cookie baking contest open to the public where guests are encouraged to bring a dozen cookies and a recipe. “Even if you don’t participate in the contest, you can still walk away with some innovative recipes,” says Ira.

During the holiday celebration weekend, the farm’s train rides, blacksmithing and food services will also be available. †The beautifully decorated Patterson House will be open for tours.
School performances occur only on Friday December 1 at the following times:

11:00-11:25am – American High School Marching Band (Fremont)
11:30-11:55am – American High School Choir (Fremont)
12:00-12:30pm – Newark Memorial High School’s “Cougar Chords” (Newark)
12:30-1:00pm – Tennyson High School Choir (Hayward)
11:30-2:00pm – Walters Junior High School Band (Fremont)
2:00-2:30pm - Walters Junior High School Choir (Fremont)

Admission for Christmas at Ardenwood is $8 for adults, $6 seniors, $5 kids age 5 and up, kids under age 4 are FREE. Parking is free. For more information, please contact Ardenwood Historic Farm at 510-796-0199 or visit our website at www.ebparks.org. Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, Ca. 94555. To reach the park, exit Highway 84 in Fremont at Ardenwood/Newark Boulevard. Go north on Ardenwood Boulevard. The entrance is just north of Highway 84.