Dickens Fest

"Albert Einstein’s first wife Mileva (Mitza) Marić was also a brilliant physicist. They met at the Polytechnic Institute of Zurich, where she had fought for special permissions to attend and where she received higher marks than Albert. Mitza put in as much if not more work on their theories but wasn’t credited because Albert told her their works wouldn’t get published with a woman’s name on them.
Many of his lecture notes are in Mitza’s handwriting, and Albert was once heard at a party saying, “I need my wife, she helps solve all of my mathematical problems.” 80% of Einstein’s famous works were published during this marriage, referred to as his “magic years.” Those magic years ended abruptly after they divorced due to his infidelity and abandonment."
Happy Women’s History Month to the ✨real✨ genius of the Einstein family, Mileva Marić

📢 Attention Riverside Dickens Festival Community 📚

We wish to inform everyone that the meeting scheduled at the Riverside Library on April 24, 2024, at 5:30 PM will not take place as planned. We’re rescheduling this gathering to May 8, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM.

Please take a moment to review the minutes from our Special Meeting for important updates. We encourage you to connect with any of our newly elected Executive Board Members if you have questions or need further information.

Your understanding is greatly appreciated as we undergo restructuring. We’re also inviting those interested in contributing to our beloved festival to fill out our Google form. https://forms.gle/S1eNvX9CqBMUrwj26

Your participation is invaluable to us!

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. 🎩✨

Some interesting facts about saying passed down through the generations!

History 101 ..
They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all p*e in a pot & then once a day it was taken & sold to the tannery. If you had to do this to survive you were “p**s poor.”
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn’t even afford to buy a pot; they “didn’t have a pot to p**s in” & were the lowest of the low.

The next time you are washing your hands & complain because the water temperature isn’t just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s.

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June. Since they were starting to smell, however, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women, and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it … hence the saying, “Don’t throw the baby out with the Bath water!”

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof, resulting in the idiom, “It’s raining cats and dogs.”

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed, therefore, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That’s how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt, leading folks to coin the phrase “dirt poor.”

The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way, subsequently creating a “thresh hold.”

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while, and thus the rhyme, “Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old.”

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, “bring home the bacon.” They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and “chew the fat.”

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the “upper crust.”

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up, creating the custom of holding a wake.

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive, so they would tie a string on the wrist of the co**se, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer.

And that’s the truth.
(Copied from the net. Also told by a relative who along with other English teachers and writers were sent to London for a training trip by British Council)

A snippet from leading children's author/illustrator, Walter Crane's(1845-1915), Flora's Feast: A Fairy's Festival of Flowers. In a time when children's literature and illustrations were becoming popular, Crane was a leading artist. For many of us the images of his fairies are introduced to us as children, and leave a lasting impression. The influence of Crane can be seen in the lines of art nouveau and heard in the English nursery rhymes.

Let us welcome the beginning of spring today. From all of us at RDF we wish you a blessed spring!

Read the rest of Crane's, Flora's Feast, with your littler one's, for free, using the link below. Comment with their's and your favorite part!

https://books.google.com/books/download/Flora_s_Feast.pdf?id=AchCAQAAMAAJ&hl=en&capid=AFLRE73ovkhILc_IlOLAQ_hNpnXaM4pMpz6Q9tGw3EH85l27_q3yV6xKLC8E7KzTlQCiPDeYOAXoI8QZIRoiFtsX9FiaHf-zWQ&continue=https://books.google.com/books/download/Flora_s_Feast.pdf%3Fid%3DAchCAQAAMAAJ%26output%3Dpdf%26hl%3Den

Our Friend Andy Lin created this, enjoy!

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We made the paper! Woooo! 🙂

Riverside Dickens Festival takes guests to Victorian era Riverside Dickens Festival takes guests to Victorian era

That's it for our 2024 celebration of Mr. Pickwick at the Riverside Dickens Festival, everything's packed away. A HUGE, thank you to everyone who joined us at our new venue, Jensen Alvarado Ranch!!! What a wonderful location to be in, thank you to the Riverside Parks and Rec for hosting us and being so HELPFUL!!! A collaboration that will fill both our organizations with positivity. Let's us know in the comments if you made it, and tag us in your photos.

Everything you never knew (or knew you wanted to know) about floriography - the language of flowers! Come and be amazed at our fashion show Sunday, February 25th at 2 pm, where our bevy of beauties represent various flowers on the Grant Stage!

https://www.pressenterprise.com/2024/01/20/why-the-riverside-dickens-festival-is-moving-to-jurupa-valley/

Why the Riverside Dickens Festival is moving to Jurupa Valley Until now, the event celebrating the Victorian era and literature has been in downtown Riverside.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dickensian Delights Return to Riverside! Immerse Yourself in a Victorian Adventure at the Riverside Dickens Festival, February 24-25, 2024!

Riverside, CA – January 5, 2024 – Step back in time to the charming, yet mischievous, world of Charles Dickens as the beloved Riverside Dickens Festival returns for its 31st year! Mark your calendars for February 24-25, 2024, and prepare to be transported to an authentic Victorian era experience, now at a brand-new venue, the picturesque Jensen Alvarado Ranch in Riverside.

This two-day extravaganza promises a whirlwind of Dickensian delights for all ages. Stroll through the bustling Victorian Marketplace, teeming with artisans showcasing period-perfect wares, from whimsical trinkets to elegant attire. Be captivated by costumed performers roaming the grounds, bringing beloved Dickens characters to life through street theatre, music, and captivating storytelling. Enjoy lively entertainment on multiple stages, featuring talented musicians, authors, educational environments, Fashion shows, and even the mischievous antics of pickpockets (don't worry, your valuables are safe!), showcasing the vibrant culture of the Victorian era.

For the literary enthusiasts, immerse yourselves in engaging book discussions, pen poetry in a Victorian writing space, or participate in interactive workshops that transport you straight into the pages of Dickens' classics. Children will be enthralled by tea party with the Queen, art, and Victorian-themed games, ensuring the entire family makes joyous memories together.

This year's festival marks a momentous occasion with its relocation to the stunning Jensen Alvarado Ranch. This historic landmark offers expansive grounds, beautiful landscaping, and charming Victorian-style architecture, creating the perfect backdrop to step into the Dickens universe.

"We are thrilled to bring the Riverside Dickens Festival to life at the Jensen Alvarado Ranch," says Imari S. Kariotis, Educational Environments festival coordinator. "This new venue allows us to expand our offerings, creating an even more immersive and authentic experience for festivalgoers. We can't wait to welcome everyone to a weekend of Dickensian magic under the California sun.". Food and beverage vendors will be on-site to satisfy your cravings with everything from traditional British fare to modern delights.

Save the dates:

Dates: February 24-25, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Jensen Alvarado Ranch, 4307 Briggs Street, Riverside, CA 92509

Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, free for children under 5

For more information and updates, please visit the festival website: www.DickensFest.com

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DickensFestOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riversidedickensfest
Join us at the Jensen Alvarado Ranch for a weekend of Victorian enchantment at the Riverside Dickens Festival!

Literacy & Art Contest

Every journey has a beginning, and for the literary career of Charles Dickens it was The Pickwick Papers. The Pickwick Papers acts as a creative bridge between the Regency Era and Victorian Times.Using the theme of Reading in the Margins: Illuminating the Unseen in the Victorian WorldThe Riverside Dickens Festival requests papers and presentations centering on peoples and issues dealing with marginalized, underrepresented or emerging populations during the 19th Century. Topics may include, but are not limited to: colonial populations, indigenous populations, underserved segments of populations, regional and local arts, crafts and cuisine, literary themes, exploration, spiritualism and obscure customs.Submissions may include, but are not limited to: visual arts, performing arts, food and culinary arts, literature of all kinds and genres, customs and cultures, fashion, life. styles or any associated or relevant topics related to the theme of Journeys and Discoveries. may be prerecorded.Submissions will be on display at the festival for patron voting, the winners will be announced and submission posted on the Dickens Fest website. Prizes: First place $50 Amazon Gift card; Second place $25 Amazon Gift Card; Third place $10. Amazon gift card.Submissions will be accepted from established scholars, students at all levels and those who are specialists in their fields.Submissions Due JANUARY 31, 2024 send to Abstracts should be no longer than 500 words in length toDickens Festival Educational [email protected]

Dear Prospective Educational Environment Participant(s) :

As the Educational Environment Director, I'd like to extend an invitation for your group to participate in this year's Riverside Dickens Festival as an Educational Environment!

Festival dates are February 24-25, 2024.
New Location: Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch, Museum and Park

We humbly ask that you please fill out the Educational Environment application https://forms.gle/YYEN28VSiiHZ16hr8
Applications must be completed by January 5, 2024
Shortly after and will be sending out acceptance/regrets letters as early as January 10, 2024

Thank you,
Imari Sherrie Nuyen-Kariotis
Educational Environments

**Applications received prior to the deadline that are complete and include all the required items will be given priority consideration.

Special Yuletide Edition Dickens Diary 2023

We've been digging up our archival photos so we thought we would share with you some of our favorite moments from Dickens Fest past!

Mr. Gerald Dickens is curious to know who has gotten their tickets to come to this special show! You have two opportunities on September 16th, at 1:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m., to see Mr Dickens for the first time since 2017! All ages are welcome, children up to 12 are $35, Adults are just $50, for the performance, which includes a full service tea! You will get to enjoy delicious scones, yummy cookies, and of course drink some tea with it.

Mr. Dickens will be performing a brand piece, Mr.Dickens is Coming and Dickens& the Queen, at the 1pm tea, though pg, it is mature audience recommended. At 6pm a special performance of A Christmas Carol, is to be done. We encourage all to dress in their Victorian, Steampunk, or Regency best! Tickets at dickensfest.com!

For the first time since 2017, the Riverside Dickens Festival is excited to once again host Gerald Dickens, a descendant of our esteemed Charles Dickens, for two special performances. There are two opportunities to catch Mr. Gerald Dickens live on September 16th at 1pm and 6pm, in the First Congressional Church in downtown Riverside. There will be a full tea service for you to enjoy during the performance. Tickets are limited to enjoy the tea service!

Mr. Dickens will be performing a brand piece, Victoria and Me, at the 1pm tea, though pg, it is mature audience recommended. At 6pm a special performance of A Christmas Carol, is to be done. We encourage all to dress in their Victorian, Steampunk, or Regency best! Both shows are all ages, up to 12 yrs it $35 and adults are $75. Ticket link is in the bio.

Today is the day! There are still some tickets left to the ball tonight, grab your fairy finest, Victorian, top hat, or just a nice dress, and join us for the Midsummer nights dream Victorian fantasy Ball! The countdown to the Midsummer Night s Dream Victorian fantasy https://www.eventbrite.com/e/511170894907.

The countdown to the Midsummer Night s Dream Victorian fantasy ball has begun! 7 days and counting !! Live, Shakespeare performances, aerialists, fairy dancers, and much more! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/511170894907.

The countdown to the Midsummer Night s Dream Victorian fantasy ball has begun! 11 days and counting !! Live, Shakespeare performances, aerialists, fairy dancers, and much more! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/511170894907.

The changling boy who started it all… come to the Midsummer nights dream Victorian fantasy ball, to see Oberon and titania, king and queen of the Fae! Live, Shakespeare performances, aerialists, fairy dancers, and much more! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/511170894907.

At least we know, we weren’t the only ones suffering!