{"id":30933,"date":"2025-04-25T09:15:22","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T13:15:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/?p=30933"},"modified":"2025-04-25T09:15:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T13:15:25","slug":"what-to-do-west-chester-film-festival-opens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/?p=30933","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: West Chester Film Festival opens"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"\"Spring is here with flowers in bloom everywhere. Winter is now in the rear-view mirror and, not surprisingly, the area\u2019s schedule of special things is filled to the brim.<\/div>\n
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Five of the area\u2019s more popular events are slated for this weekend \u2013 two art shows, a film festival and a pair of dog-related activities.<\/div>\n
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If you\u2019re looking for something different in films, you\u2019ll be able to find it at this weekend\u2019s 19th Annual West Chester Film Festival (484-639-9237, www.westchesterfilmfestival.com<\/a>).<\/div>\n
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The highly respected film festival will run from April 25-27 at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts (226 North High Street, West Chester).<\/div>\n
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Tickets are $15 per two-hour block of films — $12 with Senior Citizen or valid Student I.D.<\/div>\n
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The mission of the West Chester Film Festival is \u201cto\u00a0entertain,\u00a0enlighten\u00a0and\u00a0educate\u00a0the public through the presentation of global independent and innovative short film and interactive workshops by hosting an annual International Short Film Festival.\u201d<\/div>\n

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The organizers\u2019 short-term goal is to present a self-sustaining annual film festival.<\/div>\n
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The festival will feature works in a variety of film genres, including comedy, documentary, experimental\/art, animation and drama. Entries have been submitted from all over the world, including works by filmmakers from Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States.<\/div>\n
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The 2025 edition of the festival will present approximately 100 independent short films — all of which are 30 minutes or less in length. The three-day event will include film screenings, interactive workshops and social events.<\/div>\n
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Activity gets underway at 5 p.m. on April 25 with the \u201cOpening Night Party.\u201d<\/div>\n
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The Brandywine Valley SPCA is inviting the community to join them and celebrate the Annual \u201cWalk for Paws\u201d event on April 26 at West Goshen Community Park (bvspca.org<\/a>).<\/div>\n
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This \u201cpawsome\u201d day of family fun kicks off with a 5K color run,\u00a0a 1K walk and yoga with puppies. The festivities continue with live music, vendors, food trucks, a pet costume contest, kid fun zone, a dog lure course, and so much more.<\/div>\n
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The proceeds from this event, which runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., go directly toward helping to provide shelter, food, medical care, and the chance to find forever homes for the thousands of homeless animals that pass through the Chester County SPCA each year.<\/div>\n
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\"\"On April 26, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http:\/\/www.chaddsford.com<\/a>) is presenting \u201cDog Day.\u201d<\/div>\n
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The winery is offering the following invitation \u2013 \u201cSpend a day at the Winery with your best four-legged friend! We’re welcoming dog owners and wine lovers alike to take in a weekend of tail-waggin’ treats.<\/div>\n
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\u201cWhat could be better than enjoying a glass of wine or ice cold wine slushie with your furry best friend by your side? We’re celebrating our beloved companions all weekend long with local vendors, live music, and specials!<\/div>\n
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\u201cPlus, a portion of event proceeds will be going back to our local animal shelter partner. Find your next companion and prepare to fall in love with adoptable dogs that will be onsite from noon-4 p.m.\u201d<\/div>\n
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All dogs must have current licenses and vaccines; be kept on a six-foot, non-retractable leash and supervised by a competent person at all times. Chaddsford Winery staff are not responsible for unsupervised dogs.<\/div>\n
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There will be live music by Adam Monaco & Band from 2- 5 p.m.<\/div>\n
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The free event will run from noon-6 p.m.<\/div>\n
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\"\"

The Yellow Springs Art Show<\/p><\/div>\n

The Yellow Springs Art Show (Art School Road, Chester Springs, www.yellowsprings.org<\/a>), which is one of the longest-running art shows in the state, is celebrating its 52nd anniversary in 2025.<\/div>\n

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The Yellow Springs Art Show got its start back in 1973 as a free event featuring a variety of artists displaying their work on clotheslines.<\/div>\n
It has changed immeasurably since then and has become one of the largest and most prestigious annual art shows in the Delaware Valley.<\/div>\n
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The show is still free and open to the public. The popular annual event now features close to 200 participating artists — including many artists who are new to the show this year.<\/div>\n
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The show is running now through May 11 in Historic Yellow Springs Lincoln Building. Show hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.<\/div>\n
The 2025 Yellow Springs Art Show will have on display more than 3,000 pieces of fine art in a wide range of media and styles \u2013 oils, watercolors, bronze sculptures, pastels, landscapes, still life, three-dimensional works, seascapes and abstract.<\/div>\n
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All proceeds benefit arts education, environmental protection and historic preservation of the 300-year-old village of Historic Yellow Springs.<\/div>\n
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This weekend, the Annual Philadelphia Show (formerly known as Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show) will be held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, thephiladelphiashow.com<\/a>).<\/div>\n
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The Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show, which bills itself as \u201cone of the best American antiques and decorative arts show in the country,\u201d is scheduled to run from now through April 27.<\/div>\n
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Founded in 1962, The Philadelphia Show is one of the longest running antiques shows in the country. It premiered under the direction of its founder, Ali Brown, as the \u201cUniversity Hospital Antiques Show at the 33rd Street Armory in West Philadelphia.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Since the beginning, the Show\u2019s committees have worked tirelessly to organize, develop and produce one of the finest shows of Americana.<\/div>\n
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The 2025 edition of the show celebrates its 63rd year as one of America’s premier shows with more than 60 exhibitors offering a vast selection of furnishings, decorative arts, and fine art for both the period and modern American home.<\/div>\n
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Admission to the show is $20.<\/div>\n
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Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com<\/a>) is presenting its annual \u201cFood Truck Frenzy\u201d on April 27.<\/div>\n
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The site is partnering with local food trucks to bring visitors a \u201cfood-tastic event\u201d at Linvilla.<\/div>\n
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Along with delicious treats from the trucks there will be music by Wood Flower and Whiskey Trail and fun for the whole family \u2013 including hayrides, pony rides and train rides.<\/div>\n
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Participating food trucks will be Albie\u2019s Burgers, AP Mac n Cheese, Auntie Anne\u2019s, Barkely BBQ, Cousins Maine Lobster, Carmona Mobile Foods, Carmona Mobile Foods, Joe’s Crafted Cravings, House of Cupcakes, Little Sicilian, Munchy Machine, Napolatono Bros, Vera\u2019s water ice, Ranyas Thai, Roasty Toasty, Savannah Southern Cuisine, Tazza di pasta, Tricycle Caf\u00e9 and Zach’s Street Grill.<\/div>\n
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The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Station Avenue, Oaks, www.phillyexpocenter.com<\/a>) is hosting three special events this weekend — \u201cInternational Gem & Jewelry Show,\u201d \u201cEast Coast Haunters Convention\u201d and \u201cTransWorld\u2019s East Coast Christmas Show.\u201d<\/div>\n
The Expo Center is hosting the International\u00a0Gem\u00a0&\u00a0Jewelry\u00a0Show\u201d now through April 27.<\/div>\n
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The \u201cInternational\u00a0Gem\u00a0&\u00a0Jewelry\u00a0Show\u201d features an amazing exhibition of\u00a0gems, minerals and\u00a0jewelry. Dealers will be displaying and selling every type of\u00a0gemstone, as well as one-of-a-kind\u00a0jewelry\u00a0creations, estate\u00a0jewelry, special celebrity exhibits and accessories.<\/div>\n
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The show will have more than 150 dealer booths where show attendees can select items from a wide range of categories, including beads, rings, settings, watches, necklaces, diamonds, opals, earrings, silver, gold, crystals and pearls.<\/div>\n
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Admission to the public show is $6 for adults while children (ages 9-16) are free with a paid adult ticket. The show\u2019s policy states that children ages eight and under are not permitted to attend the show.<\/div>\n
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\u201cEast Coast Haunters Convention,\u201d which will be held April 26 and 27, is dedicated to all things Halloween — welcoming home\/pro haunters, actors, enthusiasts and anyone who loves to celebrate Halloween.<\/div>\n
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This regional show will be action-packed and stacked with exciting entertainment. This year will feature premier haunted house tours, networking events, evening parties and a top-notch show floor.<\/div>\n
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This fully interactive convention will give you a chance to celebrate Halloween in April.<\/div>\n
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Guests can enter this year\u2019s costume contests, makeup wars, and even take part in the Haunt Olympics. They can also spend some time in the PIT located on the show floor, meet some of your favorite haunted house owners and get up close and personal with their icon characters.<\/div>\n
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Tickets are $50 on Saturday, $40 on Sunday and $65 for Two-Day.<\/div>\n
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\u201cTransWorld\u2019s East Coast Christmas Show\u201d is happy to announce the debut of a new regional convention geared for Christmas and holiday decorators, coming to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center on April 26 and 27.<\/div>\n
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East Coast Christmas Show is\u00a0open to the public\u00a0and is dedicated to all things Christmas and holiday. It welcomes home decorators, pro decorators, enthusiasts and anyone who just loves to celebrate Christmas.<\/div>\n
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Tickets are $50 on Saturday, $40 on Sunday and $65 for Two-Day.<\/div>\n
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GoggleWorks Center for the Arts (201 Washington Street, Reading, https:\/\/goggleworks.org\/<\/a>), one of the country’s largest interactive art centers, will hold its Sixth Annual Iron Pour and Forge Fest on April 26.<\/div>\n
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Forge Fest will take place from noon-6:30 p.m. immediately followed by the Iron Pour from 6:30-9 p.m.<\/div>\n
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The day begins with a gathering of the local blacksmith\u2019s association. These artisans will share their process for super heating and hammering steel into delicate ornate patterns. Experience the brute force and delicate touch necessary to make this amazing work.<\/div>\n
As the Blacksmiths begin to cool down, dinner will heat up with fire roasted food available from\u00a0Dundore & Heister. Additionally, music and entertainment provided from Pollen Consolidated will ensure the energy stays high as the Iron melting furnace reaches its top temperature and prepares to pour.<\/div>\n
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Finally, cap off an amazing evening right, with an exciting display as 2,000 pounds of iron is heated to 3,000 degrees and the molten metal is tapped for pouring.<\/div>\n
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This year\u2019s event features even more activities beyond metalworking, including hands-on activities for kids and families, live music and a food truck fair.<\/div>\n
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The event features free admission and free parking.<\/div>\n
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Harvest Ridge Winery (1140 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, www.harvestridgewinery.com<\/a>) will present <\/a>\u201cPA Trivia Night\u201d on April 25.<\/div>\n
Guests can enjoy a glass of wine with every ticket purchased, test their knowledge, and try to win some cool prizes.<\/div>\n
Tickets are $15 for the event, which starts at 6 p.m.<\/div>\n
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On April 27, the winery will host \u201cLive Music with Ken Miller\u201d at 4:30 p.m.<\/div>\n
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Tulip season has arrived, and you can see the colorful flowers in home gardens all around the area.<\/div>\n
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If you want to see an amazing amount of the bulbs which have come to life this spring, you can enjoy the spectacle of thousands of brightly colored tulips at \u201cSpring Blooms\u201d at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000,www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>).<\/div>\n
One of Longwood\u2019s most popular annual special events, \u201cSpring Blooms\u201d is running now through May 4.<\/div>\n
Right now, the \u201cstar\u201d bloom is the tulip.<\/div>\n
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Tulips are native to Central Asia, especially the Tien Shan Mountains in areas now part of Kazakhstan. They were first cultivated in Persia and beloved by the Ottoman Empire, where the sultans bred them into dazzling forms.<\/div>\n
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The flower was introduced to Europe in the 1500s, and then in the 1630s, the Netherlands went wild for tulips during a phenomenon called Tulip Mania.<\/div>\n
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At the height of the craze, a single bulb of a rare variety could cost more than a house in Amsterdam. Some people sold everything they had\u2014land, livestock, even dowries\u2014to invest in tulip bulbs.<\/div>\n
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The market crashed in 1637, making it one of the first recorded economic bubbles in history. Still, the Netherlands never fell out of love with tulips, and the country remains the world’s largest exporter of the bulbs today.<\/div>\n
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Longwood Gardens celebrates spring with thousands of tulips beautifully displayed along its Flower Garden Walk.<\/div>\n
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Tulips are organized into 15 divisions based on flower shape and origin. \u201cBig Love\u201d is a Darwin hybrid tulip. This division has cup-shaped flowers on tall, strong stems and is one of the most popular tulip types.<\/div>\n
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Some of the other showcase blooms this week are Magnolia, Tower-of-Jewels, Double Daffodil, Fritillary, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Virginia Bluebells and Compact Korean Spice Viburnum.<\/div>\n
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A new attraction this year is Longwood Gardens\u2019 \u201cScience Saturdays\u201d series.<\/div>\n
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As always, admission by \u201cTimed Ticket\u201d — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience.<\/div>\n
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You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.<\/div>\n
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Admission to Longwood Gardens is $32 for adults, $28 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students, $23 for active military and veterans and $17 for youth (ages 5-18).<\/div>\n
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A popular venue where you can enjoy flowers up close is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org<\/a>).<\/div>\n
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At the \u201cSaturday Wildflower Walk\u201d Spring Edition,\u201d which runs from 1-3 p.m. on April 26, wildflower expert\u00a0Dick Cloud\u00a0will lead an informative two-hour hike that will take visitors through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside.<\/div>\n
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These walks are for those who have a love of plants, their role in ecology, or for those who want to learn more.<\/div>\n
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Admission to Tyler Arboretum is $18 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-17) and Military with valid ID.<\/div>\n
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On April 25, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org<\/a>) will present \u201cHot Spots and Storied Plots\u201d at 10 a.m.<\/div>\n
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The expansion of Fairmount Park in the 1860s prevented further growth of Laurel Hill, and in 1869 West Laurel Hill was established just across the river in Bala Cynwyd. This walking tour provides a wonderful overview of West Laurel Hill\u2019s long and colorful history, including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history.<\/div>\n
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\u201cHot Spots and Storied Plots\u201d is the perfect introductory tour for anyone who wants to learn all that West Laurel Hill Cemetery has to offer. Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective and every\u00a0Sacred\u00a0Spaces\u00a0tour is different.<\/div>\n
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The tour guide for this event is Rich Wilhelm.<\/div>\n
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Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are: $15\/General Admission, $13\/Seniors (65 & up) and Students with ID, $7.50\/Youth (6-12), and $0\/Child (5 & under). Youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.<\/div>\n
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Mt. Cuba Center (3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, Delaware, 302-239-4244, www.mtcubacenter.org<\/a>) is hosting \u201cWildflower Weekend\u201d from April 25-27.<\/div>\n
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Visitors will be able to experience a magnificent display of native spring blooms at the peak of their glory.<\/div>\n
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They can enjoy three days of live music, gardening activities, outdoor family programming, and more.<\/div>\n
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Food selections and native plants will be available for purchase, while supplies last.<\/div>\n
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Additionally, there will be a \u201cGardening for Ecological Resilience Tour\u201d on April 26 at 10:30 a.m.<\/div>\n
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Participants will be able to take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience.<\/div>\n
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Site admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 6-17).<\/div>\n
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Hagley\u00a0Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.<\/a>hagley<\/a>.org<\/a>), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, has a popular ongoing attraction \u2013 \u201cNation of Inventors.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Three popular upcoming events are \u201cScience Saturday,\u201d \u201cCannon Firings\u201d and \u201cWalking Tour.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u201cScience Saturday,\u201d which is scheduled for 11 a.m. on April 26, is a drop-in family program encouraging innovation and creativity. The theme on Saturday will be \u201cCoding Unplugged.\u201d<\/div>\n
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With the \u201cWalking Tour,\u201d participants can walk through history during an in-depth, 90-minute guided tour each Monday morning from March through December. This week\u2019s topic is \u201cHagley Highlights Library Tour.\u201d<\/div>\n
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\u201cCannon Firings\u201d will take place on April 27 at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.<\/div>\n
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Demonstrations take place next to the Millwright Shop in the historic powder yard.<\/div>\n
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\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the \u201cgolden age\u201d of American invention, in the late 1800s. The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley\u2019s unique collection highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.<\/div>\n
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Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years.\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.<\/div>\n
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In the exhibition, visitors will enjoy engaging experiences around every corner, testing their knowledge of innovation and hearing personal accounts from inventors.<\/div>\n
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\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d is located on the first two floors of Hagley\u2019s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.<\/div>\n
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Admission to Hagley\u00a0is $20 for adults, $16 for students and seniors (62+) and $10 for children (6-14).<\/div>\n
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On April 26 at 1 p.m., Rockwood Park & Museum (4671 Washington Street Ext, Wilmington, <\/a>\u00a0Delaware, 4671 Washington Street Ext, Wilmington, www.newcastlede.gov\/431\/Rockwood-Park-Museum<\/a>) is hosting \u201cPoetry in the Mansion: National Poetry Month.\u201d<\/div>\n
In honor of National Poetry Month, Poet in Residence David P. Kozinski and guest poets Tara Elliott, from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Wilmington\u2019s Jeffrey Little will read from their work.<\/div>\n
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Visitors are invited to bring one poem or two very short ones for the \u201copen mic\u201d part of the event.<\/div>\n
Admission is $10.<\/div>\n
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Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org<\/a>) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.<\/div>\n
At the beginning of March, Historic Odessa reopened for spring tours and celebrated the beginning of its 2024 season.<\/div>\n
Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell\u2019s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.<\/div>\n
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Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.<\/div>\n
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Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.\u00a0 The site is also open Monday by reservation.<\/div>\n
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The 2025 season is in full swing at Chanticleer (786 Church Street, Wayne, www.chanticleergarden.org<\/a>).<\/div>\n
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The Chanticleer estate dates from the early 20th-century, when land along the Main Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad was developed for summer homes to escape the heat of Philadelphia. Adolph Rosengarten, Sr., and his wife Christine chose the Wayne-St. Davids area to build their country retreat. The family’s pharmaceutical firm would become part of Merck & Company in the 1920s.<\/div>\n
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The Rosengartens hired architect and former classmate Charles L. Borie to design the house, which was completed in 1913. Landscape architect Thomas Sears designed the terraces as extensions of the house. A 1924 addition converted the summer home into a year-round residence and the family moved here permanently.<\/div>\n
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Rosengarten\u2019s humor is evident in naming his home after the estate \u201cChanticlere\u201d in Thackeray’s 1855 novel \u201cThe Newcomes.\u201d<\/div>\n
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As the home of the Rosengartens, Chanticleer was beautiful and green with impressive trees and lawns. Most of the floral and garden development has occurred since 1990 — designed by Chanticleer staff and consultants.<\/div>\n
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There are seven horticulturists, each responsible for the design, planting, and maintenance of an area. The areas are continually evolving, each with its own feel, yet joined together as one complete unit.<\/div>\n
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Admission to Chanticleer is $12 for adults and free for pre-teen children (12 years and under).<\/div>\n
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (1237 State Road, Andalusia, www.andalusiapa.org<\/a>) had its \u201cSeason Opening\u201d on April 1.<\/div>\n
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Located on a wooded promontory overlooking the Delaware River, Andalusia has been a stately presence on this stretch of water, just north of Philadelphia, for more than 200 years. The ancestral home of the Biddle family, Andalusia\u00a0is\u00a0also a natural paradise of native woodlands and spectacular gardens that have evolved over time.<\/div>\n
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Placed on the National Register\u00a0of Historic Landmarks\u00a0in 1966, the Big House\u00a0— one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States — provides an unparalleled look into our nation’s past, while also offering a glimpse into the life\u00a0of\u00a0a family\u00a0that helped to shape its future.<\/div>\n
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Its surrounding gardens delight the senses all through the year, from the tumbling, brightly colored leaves of fall to the floral extravaganza of spring and the abundance and scent of summer.<\/div>\n
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Self-Guided Garden Tours will be available Mondays through Wednesdays through November 4 (excluding holidays) at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.<\/div>\n
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Visitors can stroll the spectacular formal gardens and native woodlands during a self-guided garden tour at their leisure and enjoy sweeping views from the banks of the Delaware River. Picnics are allowed on the grounds (with a “carry-in, carry-out” policy).<\/a><\/div>\n
The 2025 season has begun at Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org<\/a>). The entrance is located on the campus of Nemours Children’s Health — follow signs for Nemours Estate.<\/div>\n
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Originally constructed in 1910, Nemours\u00a0Estate is one of Delaware\u2019s grandest buildings and includes the largest formal French garden in North America.<\/div>\n
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Nemours\u00a0Estate comprises an exquisite, 77-room mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur’s Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.<\/div>\n
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Nemours\u00a0was the estate of Alfred I. duPont.<\/div>\n
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The Historic Grange Estate (143 Myrtle Ave., Haverford Township, https:\/\/thegrangeestate.org<\/a>) celebrated its 50th season with the \u201cSpring Opening of Grange Estate\u201d last month.<\/div>\n
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Tours of the mansion are 1-4 p.m., most Saturdays and Sundays, through October, with the last tour beginning at 3:30 p.m.<\/div>\n
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Tours are conducted by volunteers, and admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children 5-10 and free for those under the age of 5.<\/div>\n
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The Grange Estate\u2019s Gift Shoppe will also be open during tour hours and is brimming with hand-crafted \u201cMade-in-America\u201d gifts.<\/div>\n
Hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday and 9 a.m.-noon on Sunday.<\/div>\n
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Hope Lodge (553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 215-343-0965, http:\/\/www.ushistory.org\/hope\/<\/a>) will be presenting a \u201cGuided Mansion Tour\u201d on April 27.<\/div>\n
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Hope Lodge was built between 1743 and 1748 by Samuel Morris, a prosperous Quaker entrepreneur. Morris acted as a farmer, shipowner, miller, ironmaster, shop owner, and owner of the mill now known as Mather Mill. Hope Lodge is an excellent example of early Georgian architecture, and it is possible that Edmund Woolley, architect of Independence Hall, offered advice in building. Samuel Morris owned the estate until his death in 1770.<\/div>\n
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Visitors can participate by watching a short film and then taking a tour. Guided tours of the mansion will depart at 1 and 2:30 p.m.<\/div>\n
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Tour admission is\u00a0$8 for adults, $5 for seniors (age 65+) and for youth ages 6-17, and free for children under 5. Hope Lodge is a Blue Star Museum which means that active-duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families, are admitted free for regular tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day.<\/div>\n
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Grim\u00a0Philly\u2019s \u201cDark Philly History Tour\u201d (www.grimphilly.com<\/a>) will be held every evening throughout the spring.<\/div>\n
Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.<\/div>\n
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Tickets are $35.<\/div>\n
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\u201cElmwood Park Zoo\u201d (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org<\/a>) is hosting \u201cParty for the Planet\u201d on April 26.<\/div>\n
The event, which runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., is the Zoo\u2019s annual celebration of Earth Day and all things eco-friendly.<\/div>\n
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\u201cParty for the Planet\u201d is a family fun-filled day that emphasizes the importance of conservation and the environment.<\/div>\n
Guests can enjoy demonstrations and education stations featuring animals, recycling, sustainable living and more.<\/div>\n
Zoo admission starts at $14.95.<\/div>\n
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Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>),\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) and\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true\u00a0ghost\u00a0stories and real haunted houses.<\/div>\n
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The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,\u201d is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where\u00a0ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.<\/div>\n
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Participants can discover the ghost lore of America\u2019s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn\u2019s colony to present-day hauntings.<\/div>\n
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The activity is open year-round \u2013 weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.<\/div>\n
The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Lancaster, PA.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Participants in the\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America\u2019s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The\u00a0tour\u00a0provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City\u2019s thorny past. Tickets are $20.<\/div>\n
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The\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed\u00a0tour\u00a0guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night \u2026 in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.<\/div>\n
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Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com<\/a>) will present \u201cThe Best of the Nest: Birdhouse Competition & Display\u201d throughout its site.<\/div>\n
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\u201cThe Best of the Nest: Birdhouse Competition & Display\u201d runs from April 28 through June 8 and showcases unique birdhouses designed and built by members of the public.<\/div>\n
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Guests are invited to vote for their favorite birdhouses in multiple categories: traditional, whimsical, Bucks County landmark, and natural habitat.<\/div>\n
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Peddler\u2019s Village will also present the \u201cSixth Annual\u00a0\u201cPEEPS\u00ae\u00a0in the Village\u201d\u00a0now through April 27.<\/div>\n
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The popular event showcases the creative talents of regional residents\u2013and the longstanding allure of the colorful candies. There will be more than 130 marshmallow masterpieces carefully crafted with bright bunnies and chicks in inspired, inventive settings.<\/div>\n
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The event will start at 10 a.m. each day except on Sundays when it opens at 11 a.m.<\/div>\n
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The New Hope Railroad (32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com<\/a>) is running its \u201cTraditional Excursion\u201d on April 29 and 30.<\/div>\n
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The rides, which are billed as a \u201cTraditional American Railroad Experience,\u201d will be powered by a diesel locomotive.<\/div>\n
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Excursions will depart at 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. both days.<\/div>\n
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The NHRR is also running its \u201cGrapevine Express\u201d on Friday and Saturday. Trains will depart at 5 p.m. each day.<\/div>\n
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Riders can choose premium parlor or lounge cars for an intimate one-hour (approximately) excursion through the wooded foothills of Bucks County. On the journey, they will be able to enjoy food and beverage service from the friendly and attentive parlor car attendants.<\/div>\n
Each couple will receive an assortment of crudit\u00e9s, a lush charcuterie board, and a sweet treat to wrap up the experience. In addition, guests over 21 years of age will receive their choice of wine, beer, or whiskey flight from Bucks County.<\/div>\n
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Now through April 27, the Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/a>) is running a special train \u2013 \u201cThe Wine & Cheese Train.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Passengers can enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled first-class accommodations and a tasting of select wine, cheese, and crackers as they travel in style down the tracks from Strasburg to Paradise and back.<\/div>\n
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The train departs at 4 and 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. The total trip time is 45 minutes.<\/div>\n
\u201cWine & Cheese Train\u201d boards 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Riders must be 21 or older and have their photo ID ready when they board.<\/div>\n
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Featured wines are carefully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and cheeses are paired accordingly. Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request. Riders can purchase a souvenir wine glass on board the train if desired. Glasses are $7 each.<\/div>\n
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In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol is only served during the train ride. The rail line is not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages while the train is berthed in the station.<\/div>\n
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Tickets are $70.<\/div>\n
The\u00a0Colebrookdale\u00a0Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown,\u00a0www.colebrookdalerailroad.com<\/a><\/a>) is presenting a \u201cSecret Valley Wine Tasting\u201d on April 26.<\/div>\n
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Wine sampling will take place in First-Class Parlor, First-Class Lounge, Beaver Car, and Dining Car Only.<\/div>\n
Wines will be paired with nuts, cheeses, meats and crackers.<\/div>\n
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The Colebrookdale ride is billed as \u201cyour ticket to a verdant land lost in time.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Passengers board one of the railroad\u2019s meticulously restored century-old rail cars for a two-hour expedition into one of the most scenic and historic regions in the northeast.<\/div>\n
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Deluxe coach fares are $25 for adults (13-64), $15 for children (2-12), $20 for seniors (65 and older) and $10 for toddlers (0-2).<\/div>\n
The Northern Central\u00a0Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com<\/a>)\u00a0is running its \u201cGlen Rock Express Aboard the Trail Sisters\u201d on April 26 at 11 a.m.<\/div>\n
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The \u201cGlen Rock Express\u201d will run through the beautiful Heritage Rail Trail County Park and southern York County countryside on this trip to Hanover Junction. The excursion includes a 20-minute stopover at the Hanover Junction Museum.<\/div>\n
Tickets are $32.99 for adults and $24.99 for children (ages 2-12).<\/div>\n
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Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com<\/a>) will be presenting \u201cElmo\u2019s Springtacular\u201d every weekend now through June 15.<\/div>\n
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The park will open its 45th Birthday Celebration with a \u201c45th Birthday Kick-Off Party\u201d on April 26.<\/div>\n
The \u201c45th Birthday Kick-Off Party\u201d will feature a special performance from everyone\u2019s favorite furry friends, party games, birthday crafts, and giveaways. It will also mark the debut of the new Sesame Street Birthday Parade and more birthday-themed attractions, dining, and entertainment.<\/div>\n
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\u201cElmo\u2019s Springtacular\u201d at Sesame Place is filled with furry fun and exciting events \u2013 including an exciting line up of meet & greets, music, magic, pirate adventures, and fireworks.<\/div>\n
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This weekend will feature \u201cThe Octonauts\u201d on April 26 and 27.<\/div>\n
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Kids can enjoy an action-packed day with their favorites.<\/div>\n
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All activities will take place at Sesame Studio.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Spring is here with flowers in bloom everywhere. Winter is now in the rear-view mirror and, not surprisingly, the area\u2019s schedule of special things is filled to the brim. Five of the area\u2019s more popular events are slated for this weekend \u2013 two art shows, a film festival […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30930,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[2653,3162,1140,12040],"class_list":["post-30933","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-chaddsford-winery","tag-featured","tag-west-chester-film-festival","tag-yellow-house-art-show"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30933","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=30933"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30933\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30934,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30933\/revisions\/30934"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30930"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30933"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30933"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30933"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}