GILBERTSVILLE — Sure, the Christmas holiday is still seven weeks out, and there's still Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah to get through, but is it ever too early to start thinking about the mother of all holidays?
Even if you replied “yes,” chances are you'd think twice if conjuring up Christmas cheer and crossing a few names off your shopping list were to the benefit of a good cause this early.
Enter the Major's Inn. Since 1983, organizers at the historic site have held its annual Christmas Bazaar with one goal: Raising funds to preserve the landmark for future generations.
“This entire event is a volunteer effort,” said Executive Director of The Major's Inn Foundation, Cece Rowe. “The Bazaar is just one continued effort to raise funding for upkeep and restoration of the beloved and irreplaceable structure.”
A huge assortment of novelties and gifts are offered at the event held both today and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event will likewise offer lunch service held in the facility’s dining room.
Now nurtured back into its prime though the dedication and determination of Rowe and her board of volunteer committee members, the 52-room Major's Inn was at one point a mere crumbling pile of stones – neglected from necessary upkeep and basic repairs.
The tudor-style mansion was built for and once home to the village’s namesake, Maj. James L. Gilbert.
