2023 Event Calendar Announcement
Dear Members and Supporters
It's is looking to be an exciting year, even bigger and better then the last. We'll have some fascinating events, in addition to our new for 2023 themed programs, more workshops ands programs. More details on events will be released as the year continues.
Here are the remaining 2023 Calendar dates to look forward to at the Conococheague Institute:
Saturday 4th November 12pm to 8pm: Bonfire Night
Special free community event that includes:
18th Century Games, Tavern Life Recreated, Craft Demonstrations, History of Guy Fawkes, Open Hearth Cooking Demos, Falconry Presentation (4pm to 5pm) sponsored by Fast Ink of Mercersburg and a Unique Bonfire Program 7pm
Saturday 16th December 10am to 4pm: Colonial Christmas at CI
Join us on the homestead and learn about the traditions of Christmas time during the 18th Century. See a Feast prepared, try your hand at Gingerbread baking, Wassailing, Games and more make the holiday season come alive. Plus pick up a Stocking stuffer in our store!
11am: Wassail!
Experience the historic traditions of Wassailing as they would’ve been practiced in the 18th century. Used for both harmless mischief and a blessing for future harvests, Wassailing dates back hundreds of years and brought the community together.
12pm: Preparing a Christmas Feast
Join us by the hearth and learn about the food that people of the 18th century would’ve enjoyed to celebrate Christmas.
1pm: Gingerbread!
Gather around the warmth of the oven and learn about the timeless Christmas tradition of baking gingerbread. Gingerbread was just as much a decoration in the 18th century as it was an enjoyable treat! Make your own gingerbread man or woman or anything to bake in our earthen oven!
2pm: Bows of Green and Garlands of Orange
Decorations in the 18th century were much simpler than their modern counterparts. Join us at the Visitors center to make traditional decorations made from pine, Oranges, and more!
3pm: Games and Gambols
Keep warm by playing some historic games, compete for prizes in skill and speed and impress each other with dancing and singing. Fun for all ages!
4pm: Wassail Bowl at the Ordinary
Join us at the Ordinary and witness as we make a traditional Christmas punch, a Wassail Bowl! We’ll be making punch that is both alcoholic and non alcoholic. Visitors must be 21+ to taste the Alcoholic variety. Recipes will be given to all so you can make it yourself at home too.
Free Admittance, donations appreciated.
We hope you will bring your friends and family to all these events (and our weekly Saturday Programs too).
For more information contact us and stay tuned for more announcements and press releases as we move forward
Collaborations and Outreach
At the Conococheague Institute we are proud to partner with organizations in the area that are in line with our mission to preserve our cultural and natural resources.
You can often find CI doing outreach and partner events and vice versa. Some groups even use CI as a host for some of their own programs.
“SOAR” Bird Walks (“Studying Ornithology Around the Region”) May 6th and 20th
Birding enthusiasts Larry and Sharon Williams lead bird walks along hiking trails at various locations around the region. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and may bring identification books and binoculars. Free.
Check their Calendar of Events to find the location for specific dates, or email them at: info@natureandcultureinstitute.org.
Soar will be using CI's grounds and trails on May 6th and 20th. Walks start at 8am at the Visitor Center and are free to all.
To learn more about the Institute visit https://natureandcultureinstitute.org/
Event Sponsorships
Our Events are made Possible thanks to our Donors, Grants and Event Sponsors. To learn more about how you can support these great community events at CI contact info@cimlg.org
After successful growth, being named 2022 Non-Profit of the Year from the CVBA, outstanding educational programs, and national recognized programs CI is in an incredible position for a vibrant and exciting Event Year.
With smaller free educational events and workshops making our site accessible and open to all, larger holiday themed events for Bonfire Night and Christmas, and a large Fall Fundraiser on September 23rd, an event sponsorship can make a huge impact on 1000's of members of the community, while having your business recognized in its support of our Cultural and Natural Resources.
Align your business with engaging, innovative programs and events that encourage a love and appreciation of our History and Natural Environment with families and donors of the Conococheague Institute. Our patrons are a mixture of highly educated, affluent members passionate about preserving our resources for the next generation, and families with young children interested in hands on experiences that will shape their lives and education.
We offer varying levels of sponsorships with associated benefits and are happy to work with you to create unique packages that meet your needs.