Free Holiday Reading of The Gift of the Magi December 17

 

Celebrate the season at Queens County Farm Museum 

Bundle up in your coziest winter layers to enjoy the farm’s outdoor holiday reading of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi on Saturday, December 17th from 1pm – 2pm. Attendance is free with reservations encouraged. 

This will be Queens County Farm Museum’s third annual holiday reading of the O. Henry classic. The tale will be read aloud by renowned actor Kevin R. Free, who is delighted to return to Queens County Farm Museum for this holiday tradition. Mr. Free is an accomplished voice actor, having created voices for over 400 books in his 22 years as an audiobook narrator. A passionate theater-maker, Free is also the Artistic Director of Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken, NJ. His performance has delighted the audience at Queens County Farm Museum and this year will be another treat for visitors.

The Gift of the Magi was first published in 1905 by O. Henry, and tells the story of struggling newlyweds so eager to give each other a Christmas gift that they each sell the one thing the other holds most dear. O. Henry penned the literary mainstay at Pete’s Tavern, New York City’s longest continually operated bar and restaurant. Since its debut, this story has been synonymous with holiday season.

In 1905, when O. Henry wrote The Gift of the Magi, over 35% of Queens County was being used for agriculture. During this period, the Stattel family owned the farm and it was at peak production. It was the 2nd largest farm in Queens based on size but it was the highest producing farm based on dollar value. 

“The Gift of the Magi brings a timeless magic to the holidays with its tender reminder that there is no greater gift than love. Even though it was written over a century ago, its message is as true today as it ever was,” said Jennifer Walden Weprin, Executive Director of the Queens County Farm Museum. “Kevin Free brings the tale to life with his spirited performance that mixes story time with outdoor theater in this bucolic farm setting. The experience is unlike any other in NYC!”

Queens Farm’s The Gift of the Magi event brings a festive family-friendly program to New York City’s holiday season for all ages to enjoy. Hot chocolate will also be available to complement the brisk winter air. Visitors are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to supplement the farm’s provided seating.

While visiting the farm, guests can also pick out the perfect Christmas tree, wreath and gifts at the Queens Farm Holiday Market. The holiday market features an assortment of Balsam and Fraser Fir trees, wreaths, garland, poinsettias, and more. In the Farm Store, stock up on unique locally sourced gifts like Queens Farm honey, yarn from the farm’s sheep, farm-grown herbal tea, and Queens Farm merch like tote bags, tees, and headwear. In addition, the shop offers local soaps, soy and beeswax candles, pickles, hot sauce, maple syrup, books, toys, stationery, DIY and gardening gifts, and artisan-made scarves by Matthew Yanchuk of Mayware featuring the farm’s very own wool.

The farm will be open 10am – 5pm on December 17th for guests to enjoy the grounds, feed the animals, hop on a hayride, and shop for the holidays during their visit. Visitors are also encouraged to drop off healthful, packaged, nonperishable foods to support Queens Farm’s Food Drive supporting CUNY students.

Queens County Farm Museum is located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004. For more information about Queens County Farm Museum, please visit queensfarm.org.

About Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum showcases the 300-year history of agriculture as a way of life in New York City. It is a New York City Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Queens Farm offers free admission 354 days per year and hosts a wide variety of acclaimed education programs and public events. It welcomes over 500,000 visitors a year and serves as a vital resource connecting people to agriculture and the environment. For more information, visit queensfarm.org.