CALLICOON, NY — What if Charles Dickens stopped by Callicoon during his American jaunt? 

Imagine the town as it might have been during Dickens on the Delaware, which takes place from 12 noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. The event offers old-fashioned family fun throughout the hamlet. 

The day showcases the retail community just in time for holiday shopping. Look around—you might catch shopkeepers dressed in Victorian garb.

Horse-and-buggy rides will be available, carolers will sing and Farm Arts will perform.

You might see alpacas; you can make a wreath. 

Here is just a sample of what’s happening: 

Gingerbread houses galore

Dickens starts at 12 noon, but bakers of all ages needed to get to work earlier than that. The gingerbread house contest is happening again, and bakers of houses need to drop their home-baked and decorated creations off between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on December 9 at the Callicoon Brewery. Judging starts at 12 noon, and the houses will be displayed at the Callicoon Depot—the railroad station in the center of town. 

There are two categories: one for children aged 12 and under, and one for adults. 

The Callicoon Brewing Company, located at 15 Upper Main St., is sponsoring the event. The winner in the adult category will receive a $100 prize, and the top child’s entry will receive a $25 prize.

Entrants are requested to register, as there is limited space available.

To reserve a space, call 845/887-5500 or email  pattinygl@aol.com.

Cookie decorating

The Delaware Free branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library will hold its annual gingerbread cookie decorating craft at the library from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Join the fun and decorate homemade gingerbread cookies. 

Find the library at 45 Lower Main St. 

For more information, call the library at 845/887-4040.

Don’t forget your Victorian costume

The annual Dickens Victorian costume contest takes place in the brewery at 3 p.m. All are invited to dress in their finest Victorian garb; the top prize is $100.

For more information, call Patti Moorhead at the Callicoon Brewing Company, 845/887-5500.

For more information about Dickens on the Delaware, email events.callicoon@gmail.com and visit the Dickens on the Delaware event page on Facebook.

Some information came from the Dickens on the Delaware Facebook page.