Here We Come A-Wassailing

Every yearon the first Sunday afternoon in December, the Old Town Merchants' Association sponsors an open house in which the various businesses in Old Town Manassas host guests in the five square blocks of residences and businesses close to the train station.

This year, as in the past several years, a group from the Manassas Chorale Ensemble has caroled through the town, bringing holiday sounds of a capella four-part harmony. The group, directed by Manassas Chorale Artistic Director Becky Verner, presents a short set of old favorites and some newer songs.

I have to confess--I'm a part of this group. This past Sunday was one of the nicer days we've had to caroled. We have sung in blazing heat, bitter cold, sleet, snow, rain--just about every weather condition except fog and violent storm. It's a thrill for us to be welcomed by the merchants and their patrons at the carriage rides at the train station, Foster's, Alyssa Bryn, Opera House Gourmet, City Taven Grill, Whimsical Galerie, and at the Harris Pavilion. The listeners seem to appreciate what we do, and we get a kick out of doing it.

The Manassas Chorale will present its Christmas concerts this Saturday at 5 PM and 8 PM at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Prince William Campus of George Mason University. Tickets are available from the Hylton box office.