What To Do: Nightscape lights up the night at Longwood

From the Goshen Fair to cars, a wide range of summer fun

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times 

 “Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience,” which made its debut last year at Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org/nightscape), was so nice they decided to do it twice.

Most area residents are familiar with Longwood Gardens — mainly with what the site’s beautiful gardens and fountains have to offer during the daylight hours of summer.

When “Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience” made its debut last year, it provided visitors with the opportunity to enjoy visually-impressive sights at Longwood after the sun goes down. The installation brought the garden to life after dark with colorful lights and moving images choreographed to music.

On August 3, the second annual staging of “Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience” will get underway. The attraction, which drew more than 180,000 people last summer, will run for one month less this year with the final date scheduled for October 29.

“Nightscape” will take place in various areas of the garden — Rose Arbor, Large Lake, Flower Garden Drive, Legacy Tree, Flower Garden Walk, Topiary Garden, East Conservatory and Silver Garden. The installation will be on view Wednesdays through Saturdays, and will open every day at sunset.

In 2012, Longwood Gardens’ Executive Director Paul Redman saw a Klip Collective installation at Bartram’s Garden in West Philadelphia. After seeing the installation, he reached out to Klip’s Creative Director Ricardo Rivera. The result was the collaborative exhibition “Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience.”

Rivera, a 1998 graduate of the University of Delaware, is one of the pioneers of video mapping, the technique behind Longwood’s show, which features installations such as a short film projected on the trees by the large lake showing the woods and water through the four seasons, a topiary garden that morphs into a brass band, and a tree that is illuminated to show its cycle of life from seed to canopy.

When Ricardo was invited to return, he was requested to revise and remix “Nightscape.” Ricardo and his team added new installations and new music to make the 2016 edition of “Nightscape” an even better experience for visitors. There will be new installations in the Exhibition Hall, the Mediterranean Garden, and the Waterlily Display. 

Visitors will be able to buy the music from both 2015 and 2016 via download and streaming at all major online music outlets. A vinyl record, which will include selected music from both years and a digital download card for the full soundtrack, will be available at the Garden Shop at Longwood Gardens when the exhibition gets underway.

Tickets, which include all-day admission, are $27 adults (ages 19 and older) and $17 students (ages 5-18).

This is the time of the year for outdoors festivals such as country fairs, festivals honoring a particular fruit or vegetable and outdoor concerts.

One of the best — and longest-running — is the annual Goshen Country Fair (Goshen Fairgrounds, Park Avenue, East Goshen, 610- 430-1554, www.goshencountryfair.org). The fair, which is celebrating its 67th anniversary this season, will run from August 1-6 at the Goshen Fairgrounds, which are located just off West Chester Pike three miles east of West Chester.

The free family-oriented event is held each year as a benefit for the Goshen Fire Company. It will open at 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday and at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

This is an authentic down-home country fair with all the agricultural events found at most traditional country fairs, including competitions each night at 6 p.m. — cows on August 2, goats on August 3, rabbits on August 4, Holstein and Lineback cows on August 5 and sheep and goats on August 6.

The fair will also feature competitions for bread, cookies, flowering houseplants, cakes, flower arrangements, pies, vegetables, jams and jellies, specimen flowers and candy. Nightly attractions include live music performances, tug-of-war competitions and pie-eating contests.

The schedule for live music includes Caitlyn & Marty on August 1, Southern Edge Band on August 2 and 5, Swing Kings Band on August 3, Charlie Gracie on August 4, and CC Lawmen on August 6.

July is National Ice Cream Month.

In 1984, the United States Senate passed a resolution that proclaimed the month of July National Ice Cream Month. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on July 9, 1984 with Presidential Proclamation 5219.

One of the passages Reagan wrote in the proclamation was “Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 1984 as National Ice Cream Month and July 15, 1984, as National Ice Cream Day, and I call upon the people of the United States to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Once again, the Friends of Springton Manor are holding a special event to celebrate the special month. On July 31, the “Friends” of the historic site just west of Downingtown will host an “Ice Cream Social” at Springton Manor (860 Springton Road, Glenmoore, 610-942-2450, http://dsf.chesco.org/ccparks).

The summertime party, which will be held in the Manor House at Springton Manor, is scheduled to run from 1-3 p.m. It is a free, family-oriented event presented annually at the park.

Visitors are invited to kick back and enjoy a slow-paced afternoon at the park. Special activities include the playing of Victorian games, learning about the history of Springton Manor Farm and making ice cream.

Others special activities at Chester County Parks on July 31 include a Family Fun Scavenger Hunt from 3-5 p.m. at Nottingham County Park (150 Park Road, Nottingham, 610-932-2589) and Hibernia Mansion Tours from 1-4 p.m. at Hibernia Mansion (Park Road, Wagontown, 610-383-3812. Tour tickets are $3 for adults and free for children (ages 10 and under).

Fans will have a their final opportunity to see a live performance of the hit musical “Shrek the Musical” this weekend by visiting Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) on July 29 or 30. Brandywiners, Ltd. will perform the award-winning musical at 8 p.m. each night in Longwood’s beautiful Open Air Theatre.

Every summer, the company presents a large-scale musical production at Longwood Gardens and contributes the proceeds to cultural, educational and civic causes throughout the Delaware Valley.

Shrek also was brought to life as a hit theatrical stage show. “Shrek The Musical” opened on Broadway in 2008 and received eight Tony Award nominations including “Best Musical.” It has been successful because it has appeal for both youngsters and adults. It’s definitely a show that has some outrageous moments. It’s a classic story about friendships.

Tickets for the Brandywiners, Ltd. production include admission to Longwood Gardens beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of performance as well as a spectacular fountain display immediately following the show. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for students (ages 13-21) and $15 for children (ages 12 and under).

On July 30, the Tuner Evolution Car Show will be held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, http://www.tuner-evolution.com) from noon-8 p.m.

This show is a full automotive lifestyle event that showcases many aspects of the aftermarket automotive industry. It features some of the hottest customized vehicles in the country, vendors showing off their latest and greatest products, graffiti artists, eating contests, bikini contest, celebrity appearances, models and entertainment acts including bands, hip hop artists, skating and BMX demos.

However, the main attraction at Tuner Evolution is the vehicles with many of the country’s top builders competing for the elusive Best of Show award. It allows visitors to see more of the elite cars and amazing custom builds that they won’t usually see on the streets or at meets.

Admission is $25 at the door or $20 online, $10 for children (ages 7-12) and free for children (six and under).

The Brandywine Zoo (1001 North Park Drive, Brandywine Park, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-571-7747, www.brandywinezoo.org) is inviting people to come to the Zoo on July 29 to celebrate International Tiger Day.     

Guests will be able to really celebrate International Tiger Day with a live tiger — the Zoo’s Amur tiger Zhanna. The goal is to promote a global protection of tiger habitats as well as raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues.

Visitors to the zoo, which is located in Brandywine Park along the banks of the Brandywine Creek in downtown Wilmington, will be able to stop by a learning station, talk with a zoo volunteer, or join the Zoo for a special tiger-focused keeper talk to learn what they can do to help.

Admission to the Brandywine Zoo is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (62 and older) and $3 for children (ages 3-17).

The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen is staging one of its biggest and oldest annual craft fairs this weekend — but, ironically, not in Pennsylvania. The Guild presents several craft fairs throughout the Keystone State each year, including the Annual State Craft Fair — an event that had its origin almost 70 years ago.

A few years ago, the Guild’s popular mid-summer fair moved from Lancaster to Wilmington’s Riverfront. It’s still the biggest and oldest but it now is known as the Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair.

The 2016 Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair (717-431-8706, www.pacrafts.org) features 192 top-flight crafters from all over the Mid-Atlantic region. It will be held on July 30 and 31 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, which is located on Justison Street in Wilmington, Delaware.

This indoor shopping experience boasts a unique array of beautiful items that are all handmade in America, ranging from one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, ceramics, glass, sculpture, artisan furniture and more.

The list of participants from the area includes Kennett Square’s Liberty Chair Works (wood), Lincoln University’s KC Art Clay (clay), Glenmoore’s Leni Hoch Design (fiber), Exton’s Fulton Design Studio (fiber), Chadds Ford’s Ree Gallagher (jewelry), Toughkenamon’s WKG Glass Art (glass), and West Chester’s Megan’s Jewelry Box (jewelry), Tesoro Design (leather), and Moon Metalsmithing (metal),

As an added attraction, there will be a number of demonstrations presented by a diverse group of featured artists both days. Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on July 30 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 31. Tickets are $8 for adults. Children (17 and under) will be admitted free. There will also be free parking.

The Philadelphia Comic-Con, which is scheduled to run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 31 at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center (76 Industrial Highway, Essington, 856-217-5737, www.philadelphiacomic-con.com), features comic books, trading cards and other collectibles — both modern and vintage.

The event, which has an admission fee of $3, also features a number of special autograph guests. This Sunday, the guest artists are 70s Marvel Comic Artist Ron Wilson; Image Comics Inker G.W. Fisher; Blue Beetle, Blue Devil & New Gods artist Paris Cullins; DC & Marvel Artist & Inker Bob Petrecca; and RCA Records, MTV, VIACOM, Nickelodeon, HBO artist Armend Colvin.

The popular collectibles event, which is the area’s longest running comic convention, will host dealers from all over the Northeast with sales booths featuring Gold & Silver Age comics, action figures, non-sport cards (including recent Topps “Star Wars” and “Garbage Pail Kids” issues).

Also featured will be Japanese Manga, gaming cards such as Pokemon and Magic the Gathering, original artwork and all the latest issues of today’s popular comic book series.

The roster of top-flight vendors includes veteran dealers and relative newcomers. As an added attraction, there will be hourly door prizes beginning at 11 a.m. with $100 in show cash to be given away.

On July 30, Citizens Bank Park (Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia) will host Philly’s BBQ Fest 2016 (www.phillybbqfest.com), an event billed as the “first large-scale BBQ festival” in Philadelphia.

The festival will feature samples from more than 40 BBQ vendors. In addition, eating competitions, a beer garden, cooking demos, and live entertainment will be available on-site.

Tickets are currently on sale in “half rack” and “full rack” options. “Half rack” is $50 and includes 10 BBQ samples and a commemorative apron. “Full rack” is $75 and includes early entry, 10 samples, VIP rooftop access, a VIP cooking demonstration, a photo opportunity with the 2008 World Series trophy and an apron. Both options come with vouchers for two Phillies game tickets.

Also featured will be special BBQ and grilling demonstrations by world-renowned pitmaster Glenn Gross. The Philly native has won more than 250 awards and Grand Championships for his taste-tempting barbecue. With over 45 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Gross along with Ed Willis, Jr. founded Fat Jack’s BBQ in 1993.

On July 30, Beech Community Services will present the 10^th Annual

Jazz on the Ave Music Festival (Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-763-8868, www.jazzontheavephilly.com) from noon-8:30 p.m.

The popular mid-summer event features singer/Beyonce sidewoman Tia Fuller; jazz/R&B saxophonist Ronnie Laws; house music veterans Worldtown SoundSystem; gospel singer Kim Burrell; soul singer Jaguar Wright; jazz singer Sherry Wilson Butler; Jeff Bradshaw and Friends with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tony Rich; the Lady Saints; and Modern Legends Drill Squad & Drum Line.

The free festival will take place along a four-block stretch on Cecil B. Moore Avenue from Broad to 17th streets. The festival will feature health and wellness screenings, HIV/AIDS testing, moon bounce, clay sculpting, mechanical bull riding, vendors, food, giveaways and live music on two stages.

Also on July 30, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org) will present a special event called “Cinema in the Cemetery.”

Visitors are invited to sit back and relax with a drink, some popcorn and some friends on this summer movie night under the stars. After the sun sets, the unusual film experience will be brought to audiences amid the historic tombs of Laurel Hill Cemetery.

July’s feature film will be the 1960 horror classic, “The City of the Dead,” starring Christopher Lee and Venetia Stevenson. Visitors are instructed to bring their own blankets or beach chairs, picnics, and/or beverages.

The screening will take place on July 30 at 9 p.m. (with a pre-scheduled rain date of July 31). Gates open at 8 p.m. Ticket holders can check in at Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia. Free parking is located in the lot directly across the street from the Gatehouse.

The cost is $10/person general admission. Purchasing advance tickets is suggested. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.

On July 31, Berks County Parks and Recreation is presenting a special event called “Step Back in Time” at the Heritage Center (1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading, 610-374-8839, http://www.co.berks.pa.us) from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visitors will be able to experience a hands-on history day featuring Civil War encampment and field medical program, musical environment, old-time exhibits, dancing, tours, and games. Tours include the Heritage Center, Melcher’s Grist Mill, Hiester Canal Center, Gruber Wagon Works, and Salad & Herb Garden.

The Civil War Encampments will feature 53rd PA Volunteer Infantry Co. C, 71st PA – Philadelphia Brigade, 4th Texas Co. B, and Civil War Hospital and Field Medicine. There will also be demonstrations of rug hooking, quilting, candle dipping, needlework, ice cream churning and textile arts throughout the day.

Admission is free and there is a $2 parking donation requested.

The 24th annual Moonlight Memories Car Show, sponsored by the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce, will take place July 30 on York Road between Summit Avenue and Horsham Road from 5-10 p.m.

Downtown Hatboro will be the center of attention when more than 500 cars roll into town for the annual Moonlight Memories Car Show.

The free car show, which historically draws more than 75,000 visitors, will have a wide array of cars lining both sides of York Road in downtown Hatboro. The event will feature antique cars, classic cars, modified cars, “muscle” and specialty vehicles and more.

The Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show is having a golden moment this year.

On July 30, the Lititz Art Association will present the 50^th Annual Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show at Lititz Springs Park (Route 501, Lititz, http://www.lititzartassociation.com).

The free event, which is always held the last Saturday in July — and always held rain or shine — will run from 9 a.m-5 p.m. at the park, which is located between the Square and the railroad track next to Wilbur’s Chocolate Factory.

It is a juried art show presented by the Lititz Art Association that is open to all fine artists over the age of 17. The show’s organizers stress that this is an art show and not a craft show and that there will be no jewelry, photographs, Christmas decorations, needlework, or other non-art items featured in the exhibition/sale.