Boar's Head & Yule Log Festival

The logistical aspects of organizing a cast, choir and orchestra of more than 250 people are many and varied. In the heat of the summer, the work on costumes begins. New costumes are created, old ones updated or replaced and fittings commence. During the weeks of Advent, the choir rehearses and sets are built.

Demand is heavy for the 4800 available tickets and the festival has been featured in regional publications and productions including Diane Smith’s “Christmas in Connecticut” and CPTV broadcasts. Minister of Music & Arts, Steven A. Mitchell, has brought renewed energy and vision to this long running festival with the addition of local dance ensembles, the construction of a 16 foot tall Angel puppet and a fresh approach to music and staging. His addition of court visitors from other lands enables the festival to showcase other music and cultural organizations in our city. ​
On opening night and throughout the weekend, the Parish House is ablaze with lights and activity. In the kitchen, a dedicated crew arranges thousands of homemade cookies and tea sandwiches and mixes 150 gallons of delicious punch. Outside, snow removal crews are on standby. Professional cleaners are on hand; hay and straw, lots of paper towels, buckets, mops, and a carefully laid series of rubber runners and carpeting await the arrival of the animals. Upstairs, makeup crews perform their art, and all around is hustle and anticipation, as cast managers watch the clock to ensure everyone gets lined up for the procession.

​Scenes from a past Festival...