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The 39th “Festival of the Gnomes” frolics into town December 5 and 6 at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre (201 W. Jefferson St, Joliet). This family tradition features a 90-minute live, indoor show on Saturday (1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and Sunday (1:00 p.m.).

Tickets $5 all ages (cash or check only). Journey with the all-age cast as they tell of the “wee” folk’s good works for man and nature, outsmart the Snotgurgle troll and find the true meaning of this giving season.

Try your luck to win a signed, soft-sculpture gnome doll created by Sally Susner – the only place that has them! Visit the “gnomemade” gift shop 
filled with treasures as little as 25¢!

First year? Get your gnome cap here! Returning? Get your free tassel sewn
to your hat to celebrate how many years attending. Enjoy the spirited live flute music filling the lobby where one can find the popular cookie factory’s $1 variety-cookie-plate and 50¢ hot cocoa.

Doors open at 12:00 noon Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended: (815) 724-3760 option 2, or emailing bipark@jolietcity.org. For more information, visit www.bicentennialpark.org.

Welcome in the holidays with the 39th annual “Festival of the Gnomes” at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre on Saturday, December 5 (1:00 and 3:30 pm) and Sunday, December 6 (1:00 pm). A family tradition across generations, gnome folklore comes to life on-stage. Tickets are still just $5 for all ages for the live, indoor theatre production. Shows sold out last year so reservations are recommended. The theatre is located at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet.

This family tradition for many features a 90-minute live show following the “wee” folk. The cast of all ages imparts the lore of the mythical people from European folklore. Follow the gnomes on many adventures doing good works for man and nature while outsmarting the nasty trolls, especially the Snotgurgle – now played by a young man and long-time cast member, Kevin Healy. He brings a fun attitude, with a touch of rebel to his troll.

For many, the troll becomes a beloved character. For others, the chance to win a hand-crafted gnome doll to call their own is the favorite part of the festival. This is the only place that has them! The gnome doll raffle continues because of one special lady, Sally Susner. This talented seamstress begins crafting the soft-sculptured boy and girl gnome twin dolls in the spring. With all the details, from hand-stitched facial features, specially selected fabrics and trims for their garments and even shoes, the two gnome babies come to life. According to gnome lore, they always have twin babies so Sally continues that tradition, too!

Sally took up the detailed task last year, and decided to add something special her second year. She smiles as she reveals a surprise underneath their tops, “I gave them a little red heart.” It’s truly fitting Sally stitched a soft little red heart onto her works of love. Soon, two lucky winners will call them their own, as each one will be raffled off at the end of the event. Tickets are 50¢ each or 6 for $1.00. Winners need not be present. The two beautiful gnome babies now on display at the Park.

With special thanks to Sally, this beloved tradition of the 39th “Festival of the Gnomes” continues. The two winners are invited to bring their gnome babies back each year to have a tassel sewn onto their little hats, as they will see many proud gnome “adopting” parents do. It’s a fun way to see the darling gnome doll family grow each year!

Tassels on the gnome hats mark the number of years one has been to the festival. After 39 years, many hats are loaded! Infact, there are special tassels for reaching each decade. For instance, every 10 years one attends the show, “a dehydrated star and moon beam” tassel is sewn onto their gnome cap. This tradition was begun by Billie Limacher, known as “Grandma Gnome” to many. She sends her love to everyone coming to the festival and has made sure those coming for their 10^th 20^th and even 30^th year will have their special tassels. Those coming to the
festival for the first time may purchase their very own gnome cap in the gift shop (just $3) and decorate it with fun pins (some for as little as 25¢). After their first year, those returning to the fest with their cap get a free tassel sewn on by the lady gnomes gathered around the fireplace in the lobby.

The show itself is a tradition, but kept fresh as other roles have also changed and spread among the large 40-plus cast of all ages. Co-directors Jan Novotny, Lori Carmine, Reg McReynolds and Eric Moniger have added the creative help of Assistant Directors Paul Darin and Tom Novotny. Through stories woven together, audience members will meet: the gnome from Nome, Alaska; the naughty gnome Kostja; the Tinker gnome frustrated with his inventions; the weary but thankful human couple visited by a mysterious gnome and a garden gnome who brings good fortune to people. In “Wartje”, a gnome father tells his daughters of the legendary, clever gnome Wartje who outsmarts the evil trolls. In this adventure, audience members meet the gnome’s worried wife, wise animals and even a lovable, talking rat. With many adventures, the 90-minute show goes quickly as audience members travel the land of gnomes. Designed for families of all faiths, the familiarity of the story lines bring comfort to those enjoy the message of good will and sharing a beloved event from their childhood.

After the show, children are invited onto the stage to meet the gnomes in person and draw their own gnome to take home. In the lobby, one can find many unique “gnomemade” treasures in the gift shop, try their luck in the gnome doll raffle and visit the cookie factory, where one can pick their favorite $1 variety-cookie-plate. The lobby is a buzz with activity, but the sweetest sounds can be heard when Cindy Butler, flute instructor, returns with her talented students to fill the lobby with frolicking holiday melodies, echoing the joyful mood the festival brings to all.

Tickets are $5 for all ages. Payment is by cash or check only, and are available through Billie Limacher Bicentennial Theatre, 201 West Jefferson Street, Joliet 60432. Tickets may be reserved by calling the park office (815-724-3761) or by email (bipark@jolietcity.org). Tickets may be picked up in the park office (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm). Reservations are highly recommended. The day of the show, the lobby opens at 12:00 noon and any unsold tickets will be made available on a first come first serve basis. Parking is free and available in the lots north and south of Jefferson Street. For more information, visit www.bicentennialpark.org.