47 th FESTIVAL OF THE GNOMES 2023
We welcome you back to the “Festival of the Gnomes!” Can you believe it’s our 47th?
So the gnomes are extra excited to be back on stage and perform for you – their gnome family from far and wide!
You’ll enjoy the same delights as before:
* Live “Gnome Show” (about 90 minutes – no intermission)
* Gnome Gift Shop (gnome-made treasures for a wee price)
* Gnome Doll Raffle (twin soft-sculpture dolls signed by Sally Susner)
* Gnome Caps (buy your first year to the fest $3, following years get a free tassel)
* Gnome Personalized Pin ($1 pick out your design, write your name & add to your cap)
* Cookie Factory ($1.00 cookie plates & hot cocoa)
* Tavern on the Bricks (soft drinks, also beer & wine for gnomies 21+)
Tickets:
* $5.00 all ages
* Available online thru Ticket Tailor: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/billielimacherbicentennialparkandtheatre
* Also available in the office and at the door.
44th “GNOME SHOW” 2020…pandemic-style
In 2020, we held a scaled-down version (due to Covid pandemic) by taping the “Gnome Show” (see the links below) in front of cast family members.
A Park tradition for 44 years, we couldn’t let 2020 end without our “Festival of the Gnomes” show. As a special treat to you, it will be FREE and online! It will be a little different than the live show, as it will be shorter and with a smaller cast. Here are links for each of the 3 casts. Enjoy!
CAST 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoiYFxyIU5w
CAST 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40-duovwMEg
CAST 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUhSQctL3ns
2020 was a special year for Gnome Cheryl Foster (a.k.a. narrator and beloved “rodent informant” in the show), who joined the cast in 1980. In 2020, she received her special 40th-year tassel! It’s the red tassel with ruby heart, crystal snowflake and golden jingle bell. It was an honor to place this on her sparkly cap and thank her for her years of dedication, humor and joy she brings to our stage. What a highlight of our year! Just for fun, the other tassels on her hat are (left to right): golden 20-years (a singing ray of sunshine), white 30-years (shimmering peace and a pearl of wisdom), red 40-years (“remember love and friendship and warmth will come to you” – line ending the gnome show) and the brown 10 years with a rhinestone (moonbeam and a dehydrated star). The 10-year tassels are now black, but the original brown tassels actually came from a chair of Billie Limacher’s and the rhinestones from one of her old formals (which were pretty special to Billie as her mother made her dresses). Billie and Georgiann Goodson (the Park’s first manager) were very creative and resourceful – as true gnomes are known to be. We thank them for this warm and lovely tradition we are proud to carry on.
Can you believe this is the 40th+ year for the “Festival of the Gnomes”? Actually, gnomes live to over
100 years, so 40+ is just hitting middle-age!
When Bicentennial Park was formed in 1976, this was the first festival and is still going strong. Over the years, this event has become a tradition for generations of families. Infact an extra show had to added and a new event below.
Through live shows each day, learn about the legends and lore of the wee folk who do good works for man and nature. Come enjoy the live music, “gnomemade” crafts, gnome doll raffle and more. Need a gnome hat? We have ’em here! Have a hat? Don’t forget your complimentary tassel so you can keep track of years at the show!
5th “The Drunk’n Gnome Show” 2020
TBA (stay tuned, as 2020 threw a curve ball)
8:00 PM (usually)
$5.00
In 2016, we added this fun version for adults. Get the REAL story behind the gnomes. These wee creatures tend to be a wee-bit tipsy, so they’re ready to spill the beans. Full of laughs and naughty-gnome humor, looks like we have a new gnome tradition. Enjoy the Tavern on the Bricks, complete with seasonal brews, wines and grog (a gnome favorite).
AGE LIMIT: Must be 18 or older.
Online sales for all Gnome Shows will begin in November.
Reservations are recommended:
815-724-3761
