Suffolk News-Herald

Have a Jolly Folly Christmas sounds like the refrain from a popular old song, but it’s the theme for the holiday festivities at Riddick’s Folly.

The Folly, one of Suffolk’s best known historic sites, is opening its doors Dec. 6 – 7 to welcome the public. The house will be decorated from the basement to the third floor in Christmas array, and of course there will be a tour. Events take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, and both days come complete with music and refreshments appropriate for the season.

Children visiting the Folly with their parents can be immortalized in a silhouette, which may be purchased for $15 each. Lee King, assistant director of the Folly, suggested that these would make a wonderful gift for any grandparent.

&uot;The silhouettes are framed and wrapped and they will be available for pickup on Dec. 12,&uot; said King. &uot;You can visit the Folly’s gift shop to look for other special and unique gifts.&uot;

He added that from 3 to 7 p.m., visitors would enjoy a tour with Anna Mary Riddick through the three stages of her life.

Shopping for that perfect holiday dessert is simple. Just check out the English-style basement where the aroma of fresh baked goodies wafts along the stairwell there. Of course, everything in the shop is available for purchase.

From 3 to 5 p.m., author Emily Hines will be autographing both of her books, &uot;It Happened in Virginia&uot; and &uot;More than Petticoats.&uot;

Both King and Robin Rountree, the executive director of the Folly, wish everyone the best and most peaceful of holiday seasons. They also hope to greet old friends and supporters of the Folly and meet with some new friends.

For more information, call 934-1390.