Champagne and chocolate at Reddick Mansion

OTTAWA — The Reddick Mansion Association (RMA) invites the public to its “Sparkling Evening,” its fifth annual Holiday Preview Party on Friday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will reflect the “Sparkling Evening” theme and will feature champagne and chocolate. Well-known local guitarist and vocalist Steve Sharp will be performing throughout the evening.

“We are very excited to have Steve at the Mansion,” said Lorraine McCallister, president of the RMA. “His music will add another ‘sparkle’ to the evening. We hope that many will come to the Mansion to see him perform and to enjoy the Mansion in all her Christmas splendor.”

The “period rooms” will be lit by candles and Christmas tree lights.

“These lovely rooms take on a totally different ambience with the subtle lighting. And you get a much better sense of what Mansion would have been like when the Reddicks lived in it,” according to McCallister,

After more than 200 hours of work by volunteers, all the trees, garlands, candles, ornaments, centerpieces and lights will be in place. Steve Meyer, Larry Swanson and Chris McCarter, all members of the Reddick Mansion Association, will coordinate and oversee the decorating of the more than 20 rooms in the Mansion.

While enjoying the music and beautiful decorations, visitors will be able to chat with costumed docents as they leisurely wander throughout the Mansion. People will also be able to visit and take photos with Father Christmas (as portrayed by RMA board member Roger Hooper).

A donation of $10 per person is requested.

The Reddick Mansion, built in 1858, is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and is open to the public for tours. The Mansion, at 100 W. Lafayette St. in Ottawa, also has meeting/reception rooms available for rent for special events.