One of the greatest Galveston traditions and my favorite Galveston festival is happening this weekend. Dickens on the Strand isn't the largest of the many great events on the island but it is the most unique in that locals and visitors alike celebrate not only the victorian era, Charles Dickens, and the upcoming Christmas season, but we celebrate Galveston herself.
Dickens on the Strand was born from a potluck dinner served to create public awarenes of the buildings along the Strand. Many of these majestic buildings we love in the downtown area, at the time were considered nussances. Out of code and style, and with a nonexistant downtown economy, many faced the wrecking ball. A group of preservationists, along with the Galveston Historic Foundation (GHF), wanted to do something to preserve what they had the foresight to see as a downtown with victorian architecture that is now unrivaled.
This small gathering turned into GHF's largest annual fundraising event. The festival now includes costume contests, shopping, a victorian wedding ceremony, the "london wharf" at Elissa, and of course the Queen's Parades. This year's festival will be on Saturday & Sunday, December 6th & 7th from 9-6. Tickets in advance of Dec. 5th are $9 for adults and $4 for children. At the gate the prices are $12 and $6 respectively. If you are dressed in victorian garb, you will be admitted for half price. But trust me, the feeling you get by dressing up and being part of the festival is worth a lot more than the $6 discount.
There are plenty of details, tips and photos at www.galvestonhistory.org. I encourage all to attend to help raise money for GHF and have a feel for what this event is all about.
Our Nautical store will have a booth at Dickens this year on Strand between 24th & 25th Streets. We hope you stop by and have a warm glass of cider with us.
