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Heritage Christian gets ready for another Dickens Village Christmas

As fall air starts to turn a bit crisper, members of Heritage Christian Church start talking a little funny. Their normal southern drawls turn into a collection of British accents. Each December the grounds and facilities of Heritage Christian Church near Peachtree City undergo a major transformation from modern architecture to a 19th century English experience called Dickens Village.

This year’s Dickens Village is planned for Dec. 8-12, open nightly from 6-9 p.m. at the church.

This is the fourth year Heritage has presented Dickens Village and some say it will be the best by far. Shellye Febrey, special events coordinator for the project said, “This year we are adding some things that we have wanted to do in the past, but had not been able to accomplish.”

Some of the additions include a free standing cafe and bakery, new stage shows, interactive candle shop, and a few surprises on the pathway to the manger scene.

“We have a manger scene just a short walk from Dickens Village that has some new wrinkles we think families will enjoy,” says Febrey.

Of course, those familiar with past Dickens Villages will be happy to know that the candy shop, toy shop, Christmas tree shop, outdoor shows, all the free foods, cider and hot cocoa will still be available.

And those wondering if the two English Bobbies and chimneysweep will still stroll the village need not worry.

“Our townspeople are a lot of fun, but our Bobbies and the chimneysweep are always a big hit,” says Julie Ballard, outside operations director for Dickens Village.

Each event involves a lot of work by a lot of people and planning starts in February.

“We begin in February while the previous event is still fresh in our minds,” Febrey says. “That way we can improve upon the upcoming year’s stage production and visuals.”

The “visuals” are the sets and props that make up the Dickens Village. “Main Street” runs through the village and consists of a variety of shops, props, food stands, and Georgia Chestnuts.

“We tried roasting chestnuts on an open fire — but this is Georgia, “remarked Marion “Big Daddy” Alley. “We found that boiling peanuts and calling them Georgia Chestnuts made our guests a lot happier.”

Street performers, such as minstrels, jugglers and town folk, mill about the village, all dressed as and portraying 19th century English folk. The performers stay as close to character as possible, even pretending to know nothing of modern gadgets.

“When a guest asks a cast member to use their camera to take a photo, our townspeople act as though they have never seen a camera before,” said Dr. Gregory Moffatt, overseer of the outdoor village and its characters. “It’s a lot of fun to watch the guests explaining how to use it. Sometimes guests will ask several cast members to take photos just for the fun of watching them all react to the camera.”

Guests of Dickens Village leave with more than just a good time. Everything at the village is free.

“Families can have their photo taken in Dickens-style clothing, children can make toys or ornaments, drink hot chocolate, eat the village’s famous ‘Georgia chestnuts,’ and it is all free, said Ballard. “For those who simply must bring their purses or wallets, there is a rumor that the Bobbies will take tips to remove unruly children from their parents for a little ‘attitude adjusting.’”

There is a stage show each evening in the auditorium and outside dramas and stage shows are on 30-minute rotations.

“A lot of activity goes on all at one time,” said Johnny Prettyman who leads the worship and arts department at Heritage. “There are more than 300 cast and crew members working and performing simultaneously all over the place. It is amazing how much hard work has to be done but how much fun it is at the same time.”

Hard work best describes Febrey’s role in Dickens Village. As event coordinator, she oversees every detail of Dickens Village.

“There are many talented people who make Dickens Village a success each year,” Febrey says of the cast and crew members, “and they are more than just talented. They are passionate about what they do and are always prepared for last minute changes to make our guests’ visit as enjoyable as possible.”

For more information and show times call 770-716-5768 or visit Dickens Village at http://www.dickenshcc.com.