Byers’ Choice Caroler fans were invited to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area Sept. 25-27 when the Byers family convened in Williamsburg for special events, autographed carolers, and a delicious taste of 18th-century history. The theme of the weekend was "Chocolate, Coffee, and Hospitality" in anticipation of the opening of the Charlton Coffee House in November. Activities included Caroler signings by Joyce Byers, a wine and cheese reception at our WILLIAMSBURG at Home store with an appearance by Patrick Henry as well as discounted "old friend Carolers" for sale.
Jeff Byers, vice president of marketing for Byers’ Choice, said, “We’re very excited to come back to Williamsburg and experience the history of this wonderful city with hundreds of Byers’ Choice fans. My family always welcomes the opportunity to meet our customers and hear their caroler stories.”
Byers’ Choice, known for its one-of-a-kind, handcrafted caroler figures, offered Williamsburg visitors a variety of exciting events including the chance to have their favorite carolers signed by Joyce Byers on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8:30-10:30 a.m., following a light breakfast reception at the Visitor Center.
At noon on Saturday, guests were treated to a special luncheon and chocolate tasting at the Williamsburg Lodge. The menu for the event was developed by Williamsburg Lodge executive chef Rhys Lewis and also will feature a demonstration by Historic Foodways journeyman Jim Gay on the delicious art of 18th-century chocolate making.
On Sunday morning at WILLIAMSBURG Celebrations, caroler fans witnessed the unveiling of the newest holiday figures designed for the WILLIAMSBURG catalog and had the opportunity to have carolers signed by Joyce Byers. In addition, I was on hand at Celebrations to share some fun and easy holiday decorating ideas. It was certainly an energetic crowd!!
Two exclusive colonial carolers have been designed as a special keepsake for event attendees. These pieces (“Colonial Woman Drinking Chocolate” and “Colonial Man with Flowers”) were available to be reserved in advance or purchased at www.byerschoice.com and were picked up during the Williamsburg weekend.
The event drew over 350 guests and was a natural tie-in as The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation plans to open the reconstructed Richard Charlton’s 18th-century coffeehouse in November. The reconstruction of the building has been generously funded by the Mars family, and extensive research has been conducted to re-create chocolatiering during colonial times.
Byers’ Choice, creator of the famous Caroler figurines and one of our esteemed licensed manufacturers, is one of the largest producers of Christmas decorations in the United States. Each caroler is handmade in the company’s Bucks County, Pa., facility, which is also home to a Christmas museum and gift emporium. Visitors are welcome to tour the factory and enjoy the miniature Christmas village and life-size Dickensian London street scene.
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