Lookin’ In from the Outside
by Cate Murway
Wonder what people see when they pass through Historic Bristol on the Delaware?
It is such an intriguing mixture of the town's historical architecture on picturesque streets, some new buildings in sympathy with the originals, and a few surprises, very handsome contemporary buildings that whisper "quality" in the same way as classic vintage construction details do.
Each day, Bristol Borough celebrates centuries of American life, the stories of ordinary people from diverse backgrounds who have worked together for generations to build this extraordinary town. Their important heritages, along with some enlightened historic preservation and passionate arts patronage, intertwine with the small river town experience and its many talents bubbling under the surface.
Heightened Art appreciation surges in this small town known for artisans and musicians, and local talent that does not go unnoticed. Last Saturday, the 39th Historic Bristol Day, celebrating the town’s Ethnic Diversity, was just one of this small town’s signatures, the quirky, and far from boring and predictable, time honored traditional events. It showcased many local artists and up and coming entrepreneurs who make 19007 such an interesting living museum. The craft fair portion has become one of the HBD’s highlights, drawing many visitors to this historic riverfront town. One could buy a painting right from the artist! Hand painted glassware, crafted wooden plaques and pens, scarves and jewelry, and the tempting smell of fresh popcorn enticed them all.
Afternoon tea-tastings, gourmet coffee and treats, and the live music added to the appealing ambiance.
Whether you were 100 or just 10, each felt at home. There was something for every visitor and “Sparky” from Bristol Fire Company Station 51 welcomed the youth.
The children were kept happy with the on the street Pumpkin Painting and face paintings or air-brushed art.
The HBD Children's Corner, co-chaired by Mary Gesualdi and LaToya Wood-Sahm, took over the Large Group Instruction [LGI] room in the Warren Snyder – John Girotti Elementary/ Middle School and their myriad of activities were a huge success.
Bristol postcards and maps, and BCHF magnets, ornaments and landmark wooden pieces, and the greeting card work of a young entrepreneur, “Jordan’s Jottings” were ‘keepsakes to go’.
The car enthusiast cousins, Mark Gesualdi and Christopher Gesualdi chaired the exciting 4th Annual Historic Bristol Day Car Show.
Well done! Kudos to HBD Chairperson, Elizabeth “Liz” Fisher and her amazingly talented committee.
Mark your calendar for Future Events!
*Midnight Productions and Raising the Bar have most successfully teamed up to present the 4th Annual ‘Witching Wednesdays’, a Ghost Walk through Historic Bristol Borough. SOLD OUT!
Proud to announce Bristol's Historic Ghost Walk is completely SOLD OUT for the last 3 performances.
See you next year!
P.S. The Ghost Walk is donating $100.00 to the Borough Secret Santa Society.
* The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library’s audio-visual exhibit, “Every Person Has a Story. What’s Yours?” continues throughout the month of October. Stop. Look and listen to Bristolians tell stories of growing up in this historic town.
*This Saturday, “An Evening on the Delaware”, a fundraising event in support of the 100% scholarship based ArtRageous, will provide an innovative opportunity for everyone to give a much needed helping hand to this cutting edge BRT program. This tented riverfront event on Saturday, October 24, 2015, starts at 6:00pm. This is an open air event planned to be held outdoors by the translucent, frosted glass-like, green spiraling "flame" sculpture in Bristol Lions’ Park on the banks of the beautiful Delaware River.
*This Saturday, Bristol Consolidated Fire Station 50 presents their Annual Beef and Beer Fundraiser in the Bristol Borough Senior Center at 301 Wood Street. Come help support your local VOLUNTEER Fire Company. There will be food and drinks, door prizes and a costume contest with prizes for the best costumes. Tickets are $25.00 per person. Call 215.785.0125 for info or tickets.
*Louis Quattrocchi, the owner of CBM is being honored as Person of the Year for 'Building a Better Bristol'. He will be formally recognized for his business accomplishments and civic engagement at the 2015 Bristol Fall Classic, being held at the Public Works Building, 103 Maple Beach Road, on Saturday, November 21, 2015. Tickets are $50.00 and include eligibility for a $1,000 raffle. Get your tickets at Great ID's by Anne or the Borough Tax Office. Proceeds from this event help to ensure all-year long availability of educational opportunities to Bristol borough youth.
*Centre for the Arts at 308 Mill Street is hosting Fright: The Exhibit on Monday, October 26. Artists submitted original 2-D or 3-D media: a photo, oil, water, ink, sculpture, mosaic, or paper mâché piece with an eerie, mysterious, scary, terrifying, horrifying, or tongue-in-cheek theme. Gallery visitors are invited to cast a “People’s Choice Ballot” for Best in Show.
CFA is also hosting a 4”x6” Postcard Sale and Show, the first Annual Benefit Sale and Exhibition of Postcard-sized Artworks on Saturday, December 12, 2105 from 6:00-9:00 PM.
* October 31st from 3:00- 5:00pm, children dressed in their favorite costumes can ‘Trick or Treat’ at businesses along Historic Mill, Radcliffe & Market Streets. This community-favorite activity is a business owners’ coordination project to offer a safe, child-friendly environment for parents to bring their children and is sponsored by the Bristol Borough Business Association. Cost: FREE.
* Friday after Thanksgiving at the corner of Mill & Radcliffe Streets has been the place to be for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting since 1952. This community event from 7:00-8:30 pm, sponsored by the Bristol Borough Council with support from the BBBA, has the makings of a Norman Rockwell painting. Festivities often include live music, entertainment, refreshments, and caroling along the decorated waterfront and the guest of honor, Santa Claus, lights the tree, signaling the official start of the holiday season. Supporting the ‘Keep It Local’ campaign, many stores along the Historic Bristol Shopping District have extended hours during the holiday season.
* Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Bristol Borough Parade Committee, traverses through the Borough from Farragut Avenue to Pond Street to Old Route 13, culminating on Mill Street. This annual holiday tradition offers fun for all- fire trucks, Mummers, classic cars, furry character friends, Superheroes, scout troops, marching bands, dancers, community groups, and more.
* Pix with Santa, Thursday and Friday December 10 & 11, and December 17 & 18 from 5:00-7:00 pm and Saturday, December 19 from 10:00-2:00pm at Spunky Candles & Crafts, 203 Mill Street. Kids 1 to 100 can visit with Santa Claus in Historic Bristol Borough during this annual event, held since the 1950’s. Bring Fido, too! (Pets are welcome.) Enjoy a candy cane, mail a letter to the North Pole, get your picture taken by Mark Carter Photography, or just spend a few minutes sharing your Christmas list with good ole' St. Nick.
Fill your calendar with FUN!
Tired of sitting in traffic, waiting in long lines, and spending lots of money in crowded, hectic conditions? Unwind. Visit the quaint, pedestrian friendly Historic Bristol on the Delaware, rooted in its past and growing towards the future. You’ll find an eclectic charming town with big prospects, a treasure trove of family owned great dining options, warm hospitality, amazingly cool history, and timeless charm.
It’s a town with heart. Who can disagree? Welcome friend!
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
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ART WINNERS
Student Art Show winners:
1st place - Kennedy Tomlinson, 8th grade at St. Mark ... $100
2nd place - Mary LaRosa, 7th grade at St. Mark ... $75
3rd place - Cassidy Natress, 8th grade at Snyder-Girotti ... $50
Honorable Mention - Elaine Kaess, 6th grade at St. Mark ... $25
These entries, based around the theme of Bristol's Diversity, were judged by the Artists of Bristol and were displayed with the AOB's work in the basement of the Community Baptist Church on Radcliffe Street.
