Winter Wonders 2021
at Richfield Heritage Preserve,
the Camp Crowell Hilaka Historic District
On a frosty December day, what could be better than to cozy up to a roaring fire and listen to a story? (photo from 2019 Winter Wonders)
Winter Wonders is being adapted to minimize Covid exposure. Instead of one large event (with lots of people crowded together), Friends of Crowell Hilaka will host four mini-events.11am - 4pm on 12/4, 12/11, 12/19, and 12/26. Enter from 4374 Broadview Road (immediately south of the Richfield Giant Eagle) and travel down the the long driveway to the main parking lot (which will be on your left). Offered at each of the four events will be:
- a toasty fire at which to warm up
- free nature crafts for kids to take home or make there
- free hot chocolate and prepackaged cookies
- gift shop featuring our new Kirby’s Mill mug; Crowell Hilaka and the Richfield Heritage Preserve, an Arcadia book authored by FoCH historian Lynn Richardson; FoCH merchandise( including old favorites and some soon-to-be); the famous Blue Santa of Akron, Garlen Oviatt's limited edition RHP- themed ornaments, and more! Sale proceeds to benefit the restoration of Kirby's Mill
There is no fee to attend any of the four mini events.
Also, be sure to pick up our 2021 Trails & Trivia map and enjoy a self-guided hike while discovering fascinating park history and nature trivia as well as festively decorated trees throughout the park.
Also, be sure to pick up our 2021 Trails & Trivia map and enjoy a self-guided hike while discovering fascinating park history and nature trivia as well as festively decorated trees throughout the park.
Artist Garlen Oviatt with some of his ornaments which were created exclusively for FoCH.
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Garlen crafts a new series each year ---using discarded tent poles from the platform tents that once graced the former camp. These 2017 edition ornaments sold out almost immediately.
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Our friendly shopkeeper Sandy Norris will help you find just the right souvenir to commemorate your visit to Winter Wonders.
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Sponsors of Winter Wonders 2021
Snowman Level -- $250 & Up
Laura & Dale Chorba/Action Management Services
J8 Administrative Services LLC
Deborah Kazar
Karen Smik
The Visiting Vet
Snowball Level -- $100-$249
Cuyahoga Valley Inn
Village Auto Body
Snowflake Level -- $25-$29
Bay Pointe Technology
Michael Angelo’s Winery
Under $25
Ladies First Fitness
Snowman Level -- $250 & Up
Laura & Dale Chorba/Action Management Services
J8 Administrative Services LLC
Deborah Kazar
Karen Smik
The Visiting Vet
Snowball Level -- $100-$249
Cuyahoga Valley Inn
Village Auto Body
Snowflake Level -- $25-$29
Bay Pointe Technology
Michael Angelo’s Winery
Under $25
Ladies First Fitness
special features -
Saturday, December 4, Sunny the Reindeer Horse will be on hand from 12-2 p.m. for photo ops with the younger visitors.
Calvin Marshall poses with Sunny the Reindeer horse in 2018.
Saturday, December 11, from 12-2 p.m
Father Christmas and a few of his top elves will be traveling some of the trails on horseback---
greeting park visitors and handing out candy canes.
Father Christmas and a few of his top elves will be traveling some of the trails on horseback---
greeting park visitors and handing out candy canes.
Father Christmas arrives at The Lodge, 2019
Sunday, December 19, will feature Miss Diane from the Richfield Branch Library sharing stories fireside in The Lodge at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. There will also be a StoryWalk (based on “Tracks in the Snow”) that day.
Miss Dianne shares a fireside story , 2019
Sunday, December 26, will be an opportunity to just relax, warm up by the fire, and enjoy the refreshments as
well as camaraderie.
well as camaraderie.
Tree ---sponsored by the Ohio Horseman's Council -- at the Summer Barn, 2020
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2020 FoCH tree with sponsor board at Kirby's Mill
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Detail of the Drockton Family Tree, 2020
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Trails and Trivia self-guided hikes, which will include some fascinating park and nature trivia
questions, will take place from November 27-December 26 at Richfield Heritage Preserve. Selfies
can be taken along the way next to evergreen trees that have been festively decorated by local
businesses as well as by partners and friends of RHP. They can be shared on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #TrailsAndTrivia2021. Maps, along with the trivia questions and instructions, will soon be available online at friendsofcrowellhilaka.org. Special signs will be placed at various locations in the park which will include a QR code that can be scanned to access the map as well. Hikers who successfully complete all trails will be recognized with a special participation gift. All participants will need to adhere to park rules and hours (RHP is open dawn to dusk) as well as follow all pandemic safety protocols in effect at the time of their hike. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany hikers.
For more information about the Winter Wonders mini events and/or the Trails and Trivia self-guided hikes, contact Karen at 330-659-4750; and be sure to refer to this website for event updates.