by Karla Perry

Created on: December 11, 2009

Undeniably the Founders Inn and associated organizations have the most beautiful property. This is exponentially enhanced during the holiday season.  Each year the Founders Inn has a Grand Illumination Christmas event that is a joy for the whole family.  This year it was on Sunday, November 27, 2009, just days after Thanksgiving. 

The lush grounds are decorated with colorful holiday lights. The interior of the Founders Inn is eloquently decorated complete with a massive Christmas Tree decorated with lights and angel ornaments. A large Ginger Bread House is also displayed. Carolers from the Doorway Singers, sing in front of the Christmas Tree.  Their attire makes them look like they stepped out of a classic holiday movie. 

Face painting and pictures with Santa are available for the children. However, the line is quite long for the face painting.  Moreover, there are several shows for the whole family to enjoy.  There is a puppet show, a magician’s show, a Santa and Frosty the Snowman show, Irish Dancers and dancers from the Philippine Cultural Center. Each show is festively designed to bring holiday cheer.  At one point in the evening the Christmas Story is read. 

Cotton Candy, Pretzels, Popcorn, Coffee, Soda, and Hot Chocolate are all available for purchase at a nominal price. Anywhere you look you see happy children, faces painted, and dressed in holiday attire eating Cotton Candy.

This event starts at noon and last until after 6:00p.m.  By 6:00p.m. the property is fully illuminated.  At 4:00p.m. free horse drawn carriage rides commence.  Each ride is about 10-12 minutes in length.  The horse are massive Clydesdales.  A line wraps around the building for a ride in one of the carriages. The driver of the carriage wears a tuxedo and top hat.  The carolers move outdoors to provide festive carols while people wait their turn for a ride. Children run and play in the grass while waiting for their turn in the carriage.  The entire atmosphere is jovial and festive. 

After this event the carriage rides continue in the evenings at the Founders Inn for a per person fee.  The family can bundle up and take a ride around the grounds enjoying the holiday lights and sound of the horse hoofs hitting the payment. 

Visiting the Founders Inn for this event can provide a whole afternoon of charming holiday fun for the whole family.  It is a great way to start off holiday festivities as the family transitions from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  Even though this year’s event is passed, the grounds are still wonderful to visit and the carriage rides are an ideal way to enjoy them.   

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