“POOF”!   The Nutcrackers disappeared the same way they appeared.   Fort Steuben Park is looking pretty lonely and empty now that the Nutcrackers have left.  The beautiful Christmas Tree is still there, but the chalets are empty and closed up for the season as well.

In just a few short months though the grass will be turning greener and the trees will be blooming, the fountain will be up and running and the Park will be alive with tourists as well as locals looking for a lovely place to spend some time.  The Fort itself will be open for the season May 1st and by the end of May the Park will again be filled with music and folks coming every Thursday evening to listen to it at the Berkman Amphitheater.

For now, however, remember that the Fort Visitor Center and Gift Shop is still open Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  There is always something interesting to look at in the Exhibit Hall and always something special to shop for at the Gift Shop.

In April  the Annual Quilt Show will take place in the Exhibit Hall.  So if you wish to have a quilt on display this year, please get in touch with the Visitor Center.    And for all those who just like to enjoy looking at them, the show runs from April 3rd – 14th, so mark your calendars to come and enjoy the wide variety of old, new, hand and machine sewn quilts.  Every year brings something different and exciting.

As for the Nutcrackers, it will seem like no time at all and they will have returned with ‘reinforcements’ to once again ‘Take Over’ Fort Steuben Park, bringing with them some surprises as well.

The 100+ Nutcrackers who took over Fort Steuben Park on November 22^nd will be taking their leave on Monday January 9^th and will be retiring to their summer resort to plan and tweet among themselves in preparation for next year’s  ‘invasion’ which will without a doubt be exponentially larger and grander.

No one expected last year in 2015 when 37 Nutcrackers descended upon the Park that anything close to what happened was possible.   When we jested that they had ‘invaded’ the Park, we were actually being prophetic, as that seems to be exactly what has occurred.

Their popularity and success has been phenomenal.   These past 6 weeks the Nutcrackers along with the Advent Market, Hay Rides, Trolley Tours, ‘Wooden Hearts’ Nutcracker Musical, Nutcracker Christmas Parade, and Visitor Center Christmas Wonderland and Gift Shop have brought so many smiles, selfies and Christmas ‘memories’ to people of the area as well as folks from quite some distance away, who traveled here specifically to experience the ‘Magic’.

And ‘Magic’ it has been!  That was the word most heard from visitors both last year and this.  A wonderful type of ‘Magic’ which brings laughter and joy to all who experience it.

Even with this year’s event winding down, plans have already begun for next year.  Plans of more Nutcrackers, of course, but in addition, also more events, decorations and surprises!

The Fort’s Visitor Center Christmas Wonderland and Gift Shop will remain open through the remainder of January.  So you still have time to experience that ‘magic’ if by some chance you have missed the opportunity.

So far as the Nutcrackers, we will not be saying “Adieu” just “See you later”.    But until then ‘Stay Tuned’, and visit them at  www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com