Boar's Head Festival in Winsted

First Church of Winsted present its 13th annual Boar's Head Festival on Saturday, January 4 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, January 5 at 4 p.m. The festival is a medieval celebration of epiphany told completely musically, with brass and choirs, bagpipes, flutes, drums, and lots of musical fun.

Laurel City Singers under the direction of Adam Atkins will be the featured festival choir, with Joe Butkevicius on the Jardine organ. Also appearing will be the Chorus Angelicus Junior Choir under the direction of Julie Bickford, the Boar's Head Carolers, and a newly formed ladies choir called simply The Grace Notes.

The Festival officially begins as a tiny sprite brings into the darkened hall a lighted candle which symbolizes the coming of the Light into the world. Representing the Church, the Friar receives the Light. From this tiny flickering flame, the Christ candle is lit, illuminating the altar, spreading light throughout the hall.

A brass fanfare and the Herald announces the entrance of the Boar's Head company: the royalty, carolers, sword dancer, King Wenceslas with his page, the woodsmen with the Yule Log and its rider. Next come the monks singing with anticipation "O Come Emmanuel," prophecy fulfilled, the choice of a maiden and our Lord's blessed birth. The shepherds and animals come in search of the Christ child, followed by the three kings bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When all have assembled, they kneel in adoration of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords as the hall is darkened and the Epiphany star shines over the altar. After the assemblage has recessed, the sprite returns and, with the Friar, takes the light of the Christ candle forth into the world.

Doors open one hour before each performance, and each show will be preceded by a 50-minute pre-show. Proceeds benefit the Sharon Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Open Door Soup Kitchen. This year's performance will be dedicated in memory of Mary Beckwith, who had been the ticket lady for the festival since its inception.

Tickets for the Boar's Head Festival $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $5 for children (12 and under), and may be reserved by calling 860-379-8432. Sell-outs are anticipated, so order early so as not to be disappointed.