Tickets are $4 in advance (order online), $5 at the door.
I love the story behind Byers Choice Carolers & am inspired by both Joyce & Bob Byers. Have to say up front - their's is a Hollywood wouldn't touch - too unbelievable!
Joyce ~ wife, mother of two & an amateur artist with a degree in fashion design from Drexel ~ was disgruntled with the Christmas decorations for sale in even the best stores. Remembering figurines she'd seen on a trip to Europe with husband Bob, she set about recreating her version of them for her family's home, working at her dining room table. She chose to depict carolers because they looked happy. Her first set, looking straight out of the jolliest part of Dickens, graced the family's dining room. Materials included a wire hanger for the structural part, plaster, bits of an old fur coat of her Mom's, and some of her boys' hair! Family & friends who saw them raved!
The next year, Joyce made some as presents; one delighted recipient suggested taking some the next year to a local store - they vanished faster than snow in July. The store, part of a federation of Woman's Exchanges, introduced her figures to other exchanges around the country. Soon, DOZENS of stores were clamoring for Carolers!
For several years, craziness descended upon the Byers household each autumn, as Joyce pressed her family into service helping fill orders. The family remembers that every year, they'd swear never to do it again! But then fate stepped in.
When an economic downturn hit his construction business, Bob decided to devote all of his energies into the business side of Joyce's "hobby" - in 1978, the couple hired their first employee, and turned the garage into
a workshop. The unique appearance and handcrafted quality of
the Carolers quickly gained a following. Each year, Bob & Joyce would work
with their crew of trained artisans up until Christmas Eve putting the
finishing touches on Carolers.
Both sons joined the company after college & play an important role in the growth of the firm, Today, the family now oversees a team of 80
artisans working in their Chalfont, PA headquarters, handcrafting figures first fashioned on a dining room table
many years ago. The selection has grown over the years, with many special editions & new designs - including cats & dogs, caroling away like all get out - but the focus remains on Christmas.
Through it all, the company has held true to its starting roots:
producing a quality product, at an affordable price, and dedicated to serving
its customers and the community in the spirit of Christmas.
Joyce & Bob Sr., also a Drexel grad, are known throughout their large & small communities for their unpretentious philanthropy. Bob, who handed over managerial aspects of the family business to sons Bob Jr. and Jeff, now focuses on the company’s philanthropic initiatives. Byers’ Choice donates 20 percent of its profits to charity. (My favorite Byers-sponsored event was the recent Byers Bucks Fever Art Exhibit, now in its 26th year, this year at Travis Gallery.)
Nah - Hollywood would never buy it!
