This Valentineās Day, take a closer look at the Acorn WoodpeckerāRiversideās most social (and scandalous) bird, where love, family, and survival are all part of the story.
Before Frank Miller's successful advocacy for Spanish revival, Riverside preferred Victorian architecture. Riverside was incorporated in 1883 at the tail end of the Victorian Era. Queen Victoria died in 1901, but her influence loomed large, and the style that bears her name only slowly faded out of favor.
It's appropriate that Riverside celebrates the beginning of its golden era with a festival dedicated to the man who defines our perception of the times. People in full costume, from the most elegant finery to the burlap-clad urchin and everywhere in between, come out to participate in an event that feels like it belongs, minus the cockney accents, in Riverside.
The Riverside Dickens Festival offers live music, theatrical performances, and street artists that bring the Victorian era to life. The festival marketplace offers crafts, books, and gifts, perfect for finding a special keepsake or gift. The festival returns Downtown on Saturday, February 22, from the Jensen Alvarado Ranch to White Park.
Councilperson Phillip Falcone is looking forward to the return of the beloved institution to Downtown. "The Dickens Festival has been one of downtown's signature festivals for years, and its returning "home" to Downtown this year is exciting." he said, "Art, culture, literature, and history all intersect at the Dickens Festival, and Riverside is ready to recommit its support to this annual event."
Charles Dickens embodies the spirit of the Victorian Era. He created some of the most memorable characters in Literary history. Oliver Twist, Ebenezer Scrooge, Pip, and many more are etched into the collective culture. His depiction of Victorian England largely defines our perceptions of the times.
The Riverside Dickens Festival is a community-driven event organized by volunteers who share a passion for Dickens and history. Founded in 1992, the festival has become a Riverside tradition, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate the magic of storytelling and the charm of a bygone era.
This festival is more than just a celebration of literature; it's a journey into history. The culture and aesthetic of the Victorian era significantly shaped Riverside's early development, and the festival offers a chance to explore this connection.
Immerse yourself in the world of Dickens' unforgettable characters. Stroll through the park and encounter elegant ladies, dapper gentlemen, and perhaps even a mischievous Artful Dodger. Don your own Victorian attire and become part of the living tapestry of the festival!
Tickets for the festival are $20 for adults (ages 12 and above) and $35 for couples. For tickets and more details, visit here. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the "Intense Excitement" of the Riverside Dickens Festival!
