Friday, December 4, 2009 - Annual tree-lighting and sing along at 6:00 pm. - Art Gallery, restaurant and shop opening receptions from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

The Holiday Night Festival, co-sponsored by the Town of Chester, Chester Rotary Club and the Merchants of Chester, will begin at the Chester Wall between Main Street and Spring Street with the annual tree-lighting and sing along at 6:00 pm. Join our community as we gather to sing carols around the decorated Christmas Tree (click here for the song list). Most Shops, Restaurants and Galleries in Chester will be open for the Special Event to showcase our unique wares, gifts, menus and art work from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

Evening highlights will include a sing-along led by local talent, the children's decorating of the tree, and special merchant events and gallery openings. The Chester Boy Scouts Troop 13 will line the streets with luminaries, while Saint Lucia Girls stroll around with goodies. The Garden Club will decorate the lampposts, adding to the holiday feeling we all enjoy. There will be plenty of demonstrations, exhibits, openings and of course, shopping. And not to be forgotten, the newest pewter ornament will be on sale by the Chester Hose Company and local merchants throughout the season designed by Chester artist Sosse Baker.

Free parking is available at the Water Street and the Maple Street parking lots, both a short walk to the center. Limited on street parking is available as portions of Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Please publicize this event. The arts are an important part of all of our lives. More information about Chester can be found at http:/ /www.visit-chester.com and http://www.chesterct.org

Below are detailed listings and descriptions of these and other events that will accompany the evening festivities:

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE 2009
It's not too soon to think about it!Trooper Adam Brown will be collecting toys from December 1st to December 18th for the 2009 holiday season. These toys will be distributed to families with needs in Chester and the surrounding communities.
Please join Adam in his efforts to make all children happy at holiday time and drop off NEW unwrapped toys only, no clothing or used toys please. These new toys can be dropped off at the Town Hall during normal business hours at 203 Middlesex Avenue. http://www.chesterct.org

Dina Varano Gallery
27 Main Street 860.526.8866
Join us for the annual Holiday Stroll in Chester on Friday, December 4th. Our jewel of a shop is full of beautiful new treasures to wear, to give, to hold and to carry in an array of materials, textures and of various price points that will warm your heart and soul. You are sure to find that perfect unique gift made by hand in our store. Our holiday hours are Monday - Thursday 10-5:30, Friday and Saturday 10- 9pm and Sunday 11-5. You can also visit us on line anytime at www.dinavarano.com Cheers and the best to you and your loved ones this season!
http://www.DinaVarano.com
http://www.dinavarano.blogspot.com
http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/1638

Peekabooquet n. cupcake
4 Water Street
860-526-2225
http://www.peekabooqet.com
We want to celebrate the holiday seasn by offering 10% off your entire purchase plus additional in-store savings. Peekabooqet n. cupcake carries quality made in the USA and Europeon clothing newborn to toddler 4. Stocking stuffers, toys, books and games. And don't forget the original clothing bouqets - great holiday present for the newborn. Come to Chester and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

The Colt House Gallery and Antiques
43 Main Street
Please stop by for some Holiday Cheer!The Gallery will featuring new box constructions, wall reliefs, and digital imagery archival prints by Chester artist Bill Vollers. Also a collection of antique toys and books , folk art,primitives and other collectables.
Gallery hours are by appointment or chance. Please contact Bill Vollers at 860 526 9375 vollersdesign@me.com

Connecticut River Artisans
5 West Main Street
Open every day November - December: 12noon - 6pm
(860) 526-5575 http://www.ctriverartisans.com
We will be celebrating our Annual Holiday Show (November & December) with a 2nd Reception on Friday, December 4: 5-8pm. This year we have 25 participants, which includes 8 wall artists, and crafts such as: Block Print items, Sea Glass Jewelry, Mad Fish Stix, Stained Glass, Soy Candles, Stencilled Floor Cloths, Pressed Florals, Soft Sculpture, Baskets, Mohair Shawls & Afghans, Handmade Purses, Handmade Wooden Lamps, and Guademalen crafts. The Artisans will be serving hot, mulled cider as well as wine and delectable munchies.

Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery, LLC
One Spring Street, (860)-526-2077
Holiday Exhibit of a selection of oil paintings of the artist's garden, the Connecticut River Valley and world travels by Leif Nilsson. Friday, December 4, 2009, with a reception from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. This show runs through February 19, 2010. Gallery hours: Weekends Noon - 6 pm. Other times by chance or appointment. Visit anytime on the internet at http://www.nilssonstudio.com

Caryn B. Davis
Chester photographer Caryn B. Davis will exhibit recent photographs from her travels to Italy, Portugal, Martha's Vineyard, Puerto Rico and Mexico at the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery at 1 Spring Street in Chester, CT as part of Chester's Annual Holiday Night Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling . For more information contact Caryn B. Davis at 860-526-5936, or via email at caryn@cbdphotography.com, or visit her website at www.cbdphotography.com.

C H E S T E R
G A L L E R Y
76 Main Street
860-526-9822
Chester Gallery proudly announces its annual "Postcard Show" where all art measures 4" by 6" or smaller. This year a wall will be dedicated to area architects many of whom are Centerbrook Architects. Begin your Holiday festivities at Chester Gallery with a glass of Champagne from 6 to 8 pm Friday, December 4th.
Tuesday thru Saturday 10 to 5
chestergallery@att.net

River Tavern
23 Main Street
860-526-9417
Stop by the Dinners at the Farm truck for warm & tasty treats.
Join us inside for dinner after the festivities. Make reservations early.

Jill Butler ...art&design
4 Water Street, 5-7
(above the Wheatmarket)
860.526.5155 http://www.jillbutler.com
The Studio Boutique is filled to the brim with her French-inspired tabletop collection,
as well as her books; available for autographing and gift-giving!
On exhibit will be Jill's recently created collage series, " What's on My Mind".

C&G -Unparalleled Apparel, Seasonal & Timeless
3 North Main Street 860.526.3284
Outrageous faux fur wraps, luscious tapestry jackets, Paris hats and scarves, fuzzy mittens, rhinestone baubles, and BOOK 2010 - our literate calendar in a time capsule. As always, Cummings & Good original note cards and art prints. Come find what you didn't even know you were looking for! We're open every day December 2nd to the 24th, 12 to 5. Much later on Holiday Night! http://www.cgchester.com

CENTURY 21 Heritage Company
One Main Street, (860) 526-1200
CENTURY 21 Heritage Company at One Main Street will be hosting the Saint Lucia Girls who will be strolling throughout the village on Friday night.

L & E Restaurant / French 75 Bar
59 Main Street
Menu: http://restaurantfrench75bar.com/appetizers.html
Please come join us at the new L&E Restaurant/French 75 Bar! Food and drink specials all night in the French 75 Bar. Come sample Peter Marshall's award winning martinis and cocktails. Complimentary Bar Appetizers will be available. Our regular dinner menu and extensive wine list will be available in the restaurant.

eo art lab
69 Main St., (860)-526-4833
"Give & Take", a group show for the holidays. The latest work from all of eo's artists, all at one time, all under one roof. It's a party! Featuring a diverse collection of works by Seth Anderson, Thaddeus Beal, Michelle DeMarco, Heather Mae Erickson, Charlie Goodwin, Elizabeth Gourlay, Julie Gross, Sarah Gustafson, Vaune Hatch, Lars Kremer, Janet Lage, Mitch Lyons, Pamela Marks, Clarence Morgan, Kelly Jean Ohl, Dana Oldfather, Meg Brown Payson, Marc Petrovic, Ross Racine, Debra Ramsay, Thomas Stavovy, and Malcolm Wright. Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday noon - 6 p.m. http://www.eoartlab.com

Mystic Sisters -Antiques and Artful Wares
4 Water Street (860) 526-8022
www.mysticsistersct.com
Come in and enjoy our delightful selection of antique and vintage furnishings along with one-of-a kind creations in various media by local artisans. You will find furniture, decorative accessories, artwork, jewelry and hand-made items displayed artfully to inspire your creativity. Please join us from 5-8 PM for refreshments and see at all the lovely and affordable ways to make your holiday entertaining sparkle.

leiva
The fabulous winter collection of limited-edition and one-of-a-kind jewelry designed and made by Mandy Carroll-Leiva will be shown at the Chester Meeting House as a part of the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza from 5-9pm on Friday Dec. 4.
After your stroll around town, come up the hill and warm up with a glass of wine while you peruse the work of over 20 local artists. It will be a great opportunity to find unique, handmade gifts and start off your holiday shopping by supporting local artists!
Find more info on the leiva blog:
http://leivajewelry.blogspot.com

Lori Warner Studio/Gallery
21 Main St.
860-322-4265
http://www.loriwarner.com
On her first holiday in Chester
Lori Warner brings to thee
12 designs selected personally
Stroll into the gallery for the opening of our new show, "12 Designs of Christmas." Our artists and designers have each personally selected twelve of their favorite pieces to exhibit for the holidays, from stocking stuffers to spectacular one-of-a-kind works of art. Featured works include Lori Warner prints, Jacqueline Kangley handbags, jewelry by Ann Lightfoot and Reverie, Jen Thayer Karl ceramic sculpture, and glass by Smithsonian award-winning artist Carrie Gustafson. Many of the participating artists will be in the gallery to discuss their work.

CERAMICA
36 Main Street,(800)-270-0900
http://www.ceramicadirect.com/
chester@ceramicadirect.com

Hammered Edge llc Studio & Gallery
14 Main Street, Kathryne Wright Owner/Artist 860-526-1654
http://www.hammerededge.com
Winter Wonders Open House Friday December 4,2009 from 5 to 9pm.
Celebrate Winter and the gathering together of friends and family. Our collection of world artifacts, jewelry, handmade watches, beads, costume-wear, masks, and accessories will help you find that most wonderful gift to delight. Many of our treasures are fair trade certified from around the globe. Custom jewelry design and repairs are our specialty. We will have many unadvertised surprises over the entire weekend! Please contact Kathryne Wright at 860-526-1654 for more information.

Hitchery Books
4 Water Street
860-526-8722
Come in and poke around our well-chosen collection of new and used books, or place an order with us for your holiday gifts - we'll do the shopping and wrapping for you! We'll also have local artist Annie Averill's new collection of tiles on display. We'll be serving festive beverages and holiday goodies. Open until 8pm! Visit us at http://www.hitcherybooks.com.

Rarities
14 Main Street
(860) 526-2100
http://www.raritiesfashion.com
Join Designer Cynde Iverson for some Holiday cheer and find both beautiful gifts and outfits for any occasion. Gift Certificates and custom tailoring are available. Join Rarities from 5-8PM for an Open House or during our Holiday hours. Private appointments are available.

CL Pfeiffer Studio 72 Main Street (lower level) 860-526-2815
clpfeifferstudio@aol.com
http://www.conniepfeiffer.com

R. J. Vickers Herbery
26 Water Street, (860)-526-4061
http://www.rjvickersherbery.com/

Ongoing through December


November 22 - December 20

Chester Holiday Farmers Market, Sundays Starting November 22 to December 20, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
'Tis the Season for Local Bounty!
New this year! Chester plays host to a winter Holiday Farmers Market brimming with seasonal produce Sundays, November 22 to December 20 from 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Stroll the market, nibble on treats, and explore the shops of Chester making holiday shopping a joyous event. Chester has exceptional gifts, uncommon apparel, spectacular art and decadent foods. What you'll find: Local farmers and food artisans, great eats and treats, Chester shops, restaurants and galleries with special offers, original & stylish gifts, market events like local authors book signings, holiday storytelling with Broadway stage veterans Peter Walker & Scotty Bloch, strolling carolers, cookie decorating and more. Get in the spirit, celebrate local with the Chester Holiday Farmers Market. For news inquiries contact: Michelle Paulson, mpsolutions@comcast.net


December 3rd

River Tavern Pairs with New Restaurant L&E to Host Moveable Feast, Thursday, December 3, 5:30 p.m.
For people who love food but can't decide where to eat, two delectable Chester restaurants have made the choice easy and exciting. On Thursday, December 3, River Tavern and Chester new comer L&E Restaurant play host to a delicious moveable feast. The feast includes champagne cocktails with hors d'oeuvre, four courses, distinctive wine pairings, and dessert with an all inclusive price of $125 per person including tax and service. Guests meet at 5:30 p.m. for the champagne cocktail at six local town shops including: C&G, Ceramica, Dina Varano, EO Art Lab, Lori Warner Gallery, and the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery, giving guests a chance to mingle, meet and explore Chester village before dinner. Reservations must be made in advance by calling River Tavern 860.526.9417.

December 13th

Small Town Concert Series
"Tidings of Comfort and Joy: Original Songs of the Season" a Musical Celebration
Matthew Male & Lauren Agnelli
stcs.ct@gmail.com
860.526.4777
"Tidings of Comfort and Joy: Original Songs of the Season" a Musical Celebration by Lauren Agnelli, Dave Rave & Friends Featuring Agnelli & Rave, Ebin-Rose, Leif Nilsson, and special guests
Sunday, December 13th, 2009, 4 to 6 PM,
Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery,
One Spring Street, Chester, CT 06412
http://www.nilssonstudio.com
860-526-2077

Admission: Donation, Bring Food for Chester Pantry

With 2009 practically staring at our backs, the mood is thankful yet reflective. And in the spirit of the season, Lauren Agnelli and Dave Rave want to share an hour of their finest songs that bring “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” – including several special, original holiday songs.
Performing Songwriters individually and as a duo, Agnelli & Rave have toured three continents and have written hundreds of songs, the majority of which have been recorded and covered by themselves as well as by other recording artists (Teenage Head, The Washington Squares, The Trews, Brave Combo, The Shakers, Shane Faubert, Little Jack Melody and His Young Turks). They still actively write songs together and are preparing a new collection of songs for a 2010 Lauren Agnelli release; Dave Rave’s new full length cd, Happy Hour, is due for an early 2010 Bongo Beat release.
To add to the specialness and festivity of the occasion, prominent Connecticut Impressionist Artist, Leif Nilsson, is holding the musical gathering at his Spring Street Studio and Gallery in the heart of Chester, a charming space he shares with photographer/writer Caryn B. Davis. Refreshments will be served, and donations accepted for the musicians; please bring non-perishable food items for the Chester Food pantry.
You are sure to hear something that will warm the cockles of your heart and soul from Lauren and Dave and from their special guests, who will include Leif Nilsson on banjo, Ebin-Rose, and others. Holiday sing along will also be encouraged, spirits willing!