Meet Scrooge, listen to carols at the Harness Racing Museum

GOSHEN — The Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is planning two special holiday events in December.
The award-winning a cappella Evergreen Chorus will sing holiday music in four-part harmony. And master storyteller Jonathan Kruk, who recently gave a spine-tingling performance of Washington Irving’s "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, returns to bring to life "A Christmas Carol," the classic Charles Dickens tale.
Four-part harmonyNow in its 43rd year, the museum's annual holiday concert, to be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, still retains the charm of sleigh bells and the warmth of gathered neighbors. Performing again this year in the museum’s William R. Haughton Memorial Hall is the Evergreen Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International based in Poughkeepsie. Singing in four-part harmony, the group will entertain listeners with a selection of holiday favorites. The chorus was judged the third-best Sweet Adelines small chorus in the world at the Harmony Classic Division A level competition held at the Las Vegas MGM Grand in October,
Goshen High School’s Varsity Choir and Jazz Voices Ensemble will return for their 18th annual appearance on this special occasion. The evening will end with the concert’s traditional audience participation number, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
This year’s concert will feature preconcert entertainment by the gifted young cellist Alex Prizgintas, age 18. Arrive early to enjoy the museum's holiday tree trimmed with horsey ornaments, tour the Museum with its festive halls and stalls, and check out the new exhibits that have been installed since last year’s concert. The Museum’s Winner’s Circle Gift Shop will be open, with a 10 percent discount for concert goers and shoppers.
Sponsors are Robert Boni of Northwood Bloodstock in memory of John A. Cashman Jr., and Edie Haughney of Amerprise Financial Services, providing a holiday dessert table for the enjoyment of all.
Admission is $3 per person, which is waived for museum members. Seating is limited.
Non-members who bring a new unwrapped toy for the Marines’ Toys for Tots program will receive a $1 admission discount. Those unable to attend the concert may drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the museum’s main lobby between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily until Tuesday, Dec. 12.
A Christmas ghost story“We just couldn’t wait to have him back,” said Museum director Janet Terhune of storyteller Jonathan Kruk. “He is such a dynamic performer, he takes you right in to the story.”
In top hat and frock coat, Kruk will tell the haunting story of Ebenezer Scrooge from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13. He will give voice to 30 different characters in this tale of redemption and hope.
An awarding-winning recording artist, Kruk has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, BBC’s Great American Train Journeys, and WAMC public radio. He has performed at many historic sites, libraries, schools and museums.
Author of "Legends and Lore of Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley," Kruk is at work on a second book, "Lore of the Hudson Highlands," as well as a Bedtime Tale app and a multimedia project, “Supernatural on the Hudson.” To learn more visit jonathankruk.com.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. There is limited seating, so reservations are suggested. Tickets are $10 for museum members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for students.
The museum is located at 240 Main St. in Goshen. For more information or reservations call 294-6330 or visit harnessmuseum.com.