SENECA FALLS — Halloween is behind us and Thanksgiving is two weeks away, but planning for the annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in this Seneca County community started many weeks ago.
For three days in December, Seneca Falls transforms into Bedford Falls.
Many people are convinced that Seneca Falls was the inspiration for the setting of Bedford Falls in director Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the classic 1946 film starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. There is evidence that Capra came through Seneca Falls en route to visit relatives in Auburn, stopping to get a haircut at Tommy Bellissima’s barber shop. And, many are convinced Capra modeled Bedford Falls on a California movie set after Seneca Falls, citing architectural features of buildings, the strong Italian American influences, the canal, the bridge, the downtown, and references to other upstate communities in the script.
Festival Committee Chair Haidee Oropallo said the festival, scheduled this year for Dec. 13-15, will feature more than 100 events.
“We are thrilled to introduce a new event this year called ‘Lights, Camera, Action!,’ Oropallo said. “Enthusiastic festival attendees will engage in activities inspired by memorable scenes from the movie at various locations around town, capture them on their phone cameras, and upload them to the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival site for a chance to win $100.”
Once again, several original cast members will be in town that weekend, attending events, offering opportunities for autographs and pictures, and hosting special presentations about the making of the movie.
Karolyn Grimes, who played little Zuzu Bailey in the movie; Jimmy Hawkins, who played Tommy Bailey; and Donald and Ronald Collins, who played little Peter Bailey, will return this year. Additional guests and presenters will be Mary Owen, daughter of Donna Reed; Monica Capra Hodges, granddaughter of Frank Capra; and John Kuri, son of Emile Kuri, set decorator for the movie.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy screenings of the original black-and-white and colorized versions of the movie, enjoy a hot drink or light snack at Annie’s Pitstop, and do a little holiday shopping at Sam Wainwright’s Five & Dime crafts fair.
There will be an Uncle Billy’s scavenger hunt, free horse-drawn wagon rides, and trips on the Bedford Falls Express train for a 90-minute ride through the countryside and over Cayuga Lake.
Other events:
• The It’s a Wonderful Parade Dec. 14.
• The It’s a Wonderful Run 5K through the streets and neighborhoods of Seneca Falls.
• Visits to the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum at 32 Fall St.
• Actors representing characters from the movie wandering the downtown streets and interacting with visitors. They include actors depicting George Bailey, Mr. Potter, Violet, and others.
“The message of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ holds profound meaning for people from all walks of life,” Oropallo said. “Every year, individuals travel from across the country eagerly anticipating this event. We listen to their stories and share in their excitement, making it a truly exhilarating weekend for everyone involved.”
Oropallo said the festival is looking for additional volunteers to assist with various activities.
Those interested in volunteering and seeing a full list of events should visit www.therealbedfordfalls.com. People also can contact festival officials by email at [email protected] or by phone at 315-215-1610.
