Imagine sitting in a bright, cozy, yet high-ceilinged church as the delicate sound of bells fills the air.
The Capital Ringers bell choir is bringing that melody back to Selbyville on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Salem United Methodist Church.
“People tell me all the time how wonderful they are. They are probably the most frequently requested program that we have,” said Kelly Kline, director of the Selbyville Public Library, which is cosponsoring the program.
“They’re also hard to book.”
Salem UMC and the library are partnering to host back-to-back events that day, as a special treat for the entire community, and all are welcome.
“It’s special because it’s fun for people of all ages. It’s a great chance for everyone to meet their neighbors, for children to make new friends,” Kline said. “Plus, it’s a free event for the whole family.”
From 1 to 2:30 p.m., the Selbyville Public Library will host an open house.
Families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, create homemade Christmas ornaments and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
At 2:40 p.m., the church’s doors will open for the live performances. The Capital Ringers are the headliners, at 3 p.m. But the show opens with a special dance number from “The Nutcracker” by Lighthouse Dance & Yoga at 2:50 p.m.
Hand bell performances are intricate and rare. Each performer only plays the same few tones, yet they all mesh into a more complex song.
“To be able to be part of a bell choir is tough. You have to count music very well, or you’re lost,” said Kline, who’s seen family members perform in bell concerts. “I’m really excited for it. I think it’s going to be great.”
The town will offer a whole weekend of fun, between this pair of events and the Selbyville Christmas Parade on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
In addition, music will echo through the library itself on Saturday, Dec. 10, at noon, when the choir from the South Coastal Chapter of AARP will perform a free Christmas concert for all to enjoy.
A Holiday Cookie Exchange will come to the library on Monday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. Bakers should register online or by calling the Selbyville Public Library and bring enough cookies to sample and to share. They can taste the sweet treats before deciding which to take home. Recipe swapping is being encouraged.
People can also improve the Christmas of local children by donating toys or books. The Selbyville Public Library is collecting for Toys for Tots (new, unwrapped toys) and Santa’s Book Bag for the Edward W. Pyle State Service Center (new crayons, and reading or activity books).
For more information, visit the Selbyville Public Library, at the corner of South Main and McCabe streets, or call (302) 436-8195, or visit Salem United Methodist Church, 29 Church Street, or call (302) 436-8412. Details are online at www.selbyvillelibrary.org.