HARRISBURG, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell and First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell today invited visitors to experience the magic of the holiday season at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg. This year's theme, "Believe," is reflected in the decorations, entertainment and refreshments provided by community groups and local businesses.

"We are delighted to have so many local organizations join us in the spirit of giving as we decorate the Residence and open it to the community during the holidays," said First Lady Judge Rendell. "We always look forward to this special time of year when we open our home and our hearts, and believe in the magic of the season."

The Residence, located at 2035 North Front St., will hold a candlelight open house on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Entertainment on Dec. 6 will include performances by the Susquehanna Flute Quartet, Trinity High School Bell Choir and pianist Zachary Hanson of Perry Co.

On Dec. 13, Santa will make a special appearance from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Camp Hill United Methodist Bell Choir, Shipman Violin Studio of Hummelstown, Shadow Trax Media of Philadelphia, Pianist Karl Hausman of Reading, Susquenita High School West Side Singers, Fifth Avenue Strings of Pittsburgh, Trust Company A Cappella Singers of Harrisburg, Capitol City Cello Choir and the Lyrico Quartet of Lancaster Co.

Seven trees donated by the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association will adorn the Residence along with joyful decorations in 10 rooms and hallways. Decorations are provided by businesses including the Strawberry Shop in York, the Garden Path in Harrisburg and Innove Events in Philadelphia.

The home's main entrance will feature an 18-foot tree bejeweled with more than 400 ornaments hand-crafted by the Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen. The students and faculty of the Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts in Lancaster have created a spun sugar and chocolate sculpture along with thousands of homemade cookies and a gingerbread house.

An annual feature is the 14-foot Children's Tree, which this year features handmade ornaments from students of Hoover Elementary School in Camp Hill. The tree is encircled by a miniature Polar Express train, courtesy of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg.

The Dec. 13 open house is part of the Historic Harrisburg Association Annual Holiday House Tour. Admission to the Residence is free. Tickets to visit other homes on the tour can be purchased by calling the association at 717-233-4646.

The Residence will also be open for holiday tours on Dec. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, from noon to 2 p.m.

Home to Pennsylvania's governors since 1968, the Georgian-style structure is less than 2 miles from the state Capitol Building. The Residence is open for public tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the months of April, May, June, September and October.

For more information, visit www.residence.pa.gov or call 717-772-9130.

Media contact: Mia DeVane; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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