The Joy Project
What it is
The Joy Project, an exhibit inspired by the former Sibley’s Department Store in downtown Rochester, is open for the second year bringing old-time Christmas to life at the Exhibit Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 East Main Street, LeRoy. A huge Christmas village and train display as well as “department store windows” with animatronics and accompanying story are the feature pieces of this exhibit, but there are also hand-painted murals of Christmases of yesteryear by local artist Lorie Longhany and a one-of-a-kind diorama of The Cinnamon Bear** from an old-time radio show. New this year is a Brio train table for the youngest ones to enjoy, a storytime and old-time radio area, a tiered Christmas tree with trains, and a display of Christmas cards through the years. The "Christmas Shop" will also be open.
The Joy Project is free to visit and is open Saturdays from 10-4 and Sundays from 12-4 from November 29 through December 21.
**A key feature of this exhibit is the one-of-a-kind diorama of the 1937 radio show “The Cinnamon Bear.” Constructed by a Chicago-area model builder in the 1980s, it was displayed in a Chicago department store Christmas display, and when it needed a new home, this location was selected. An extensive newscast was aired last year on Chicago PBS station WETA about this diorama and the need for a new home. https://www.pbs.org/video/man-created-miniature-maybeland-in-his-portage-park-home-18h/
The Christmas Shop is open for business, where you will find a wonderful assortment of affordable Christmas decorations and new gift items.
New this year - Hands-on Brio Train Table for the younger crowd, Santa's Chair that used to be in the old Vic Blood's store on Main St., a tiered Christmas tree with three levels of buildings and trains, a collection of historic Christmas cards, and the Joy Theater (playing stories read by community members, old-time Christmas radio shows, and Christmas memories).
Here is a news report from Spectrum News from 2024 that gives an overview!
This article in the Genesee Valley Pennysaver gives a great overview of the project. And the coverage in the Daily News gives more perspective.
Schedule
The Joy Project is open Saturdays from 10-4 and Sundays from 12-4 starting on Saturday, November 29 and ending on Sunday, December 21.
Sponsors
Jim and Leslie DeLooze
Her Christmas Carol: a live radio drama
Stage Radio Show on Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
“Her Christmas Carol,” a live radio drama will be performed at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 East Main St., LeRoy on Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm by the Bloomfield Rotary Players. This production is based on the original Dickens story but with a twist—not every Scrooge is male! The program is presented by the Rotary Club of LeRoy and The Joy Project, with proceeds benefiting both community organizations. Tickets are $12 each and may be purchased at Tompkins Community Bank, Copart, St. Mark’s office or online at https://leroyrotary.seatyourself.biz.