We have many activities planned to make this gathering an event to remember. There will be over 30 seminars, demonstrations, and make 'n takes to choose from. Department 56 will be presenting seminars, and will partner with NCC to host a very special event on Friday afternoon. Go back in time and experience the Dickens' era at the "D56/NCC Tea and Festival", Friday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Have tea with D56 and meet Charles Dickens and learn about his life. Enjoy a marionette show from the "Old Curiosity Shop" at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Partake of the games of the Victorian era to earn tickets and a chance for prizes. Don't foget to come to the "D56/NCC Dickens' Tea and Festival"!
Neilan Lund, master architect of the Dicken's Village, will be at the Gathering on Saturday to sign pieces and/or your Special Edition of the "Celebrations" magazine that you will receive at the Gathering. For more information on Department 56's 20th Anniversary Celebration, please click here Dickens' Anniversary Celebration
Friday night's dinner will be accompanied by music from The Cory Biggerstaff Trio, followed by a "Crazy Hat Contest". Each hat must depict some part of the Dept. 56 collection--a beach scene from Seasons Bay, a crown from the Tower of London, a brides hat and veil, replicas of houses, a ghost hat, Mickey Mouse ears etc....use your imagination and have fun with us, and maybe even win a prize!!!. Saturday's banquet, done Chicago style, will feature live entertainment by Route 66, Chicago's premier A Cappela female quartet, followed by a live charity auction with the proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For your convenience, you will be able to use credit cards, in addition to checks and cash to pay for your purchases. UPS shipping will be available on Sunday morning before and after our farewell breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, if you wish to ship anything.
There will also be a free shuttle to nearby European Imports for shopping on Thursday from 3PM to 7PM, where you can redeem your event coupon for a free European Imports Collector's Pin.
