Central New York Town Turns Into Bedford Falls for a Wonderful Weekend in December
Seneca Falls will transform into Bedford Falls for one wonderful weekend this December to celebrate the 76th anniversary of "It's a Wonderful Life."
Every December the town changes its name for one weekend, to honor the iconic Christmas movie many believe was inspired by Seneca Falls. Surviving actors from the film even come to town to celebrate.
Main Street
Karolyn Grimes, who played George Bailey's daughter in the movie, steps back in time every year at the festival, something she's been doing for 20 years “When I came around the corner and saw Seneca Falls’ main street, I gasped and said, ‘This is Bedford Falls!’”
Bedford Bridge
Main street isn't the only similarity. The bridge where Antonio Varacallit tried to rescue a woman who jumped in 1917 is the same place George Bailey jumped to save his angel Clarence in the movie. “It is nearly a replica of the same bridge that George Bailey had grown up with all his life," said Grimes.
Seneca Falls Similarities
There are also rumors the man behind the movie, Frank Capra, stopped in Seneca Falls in 1945 for a haircut. Many believe he saw the plaque on the bridge as a sign for his new movie home. Capra never said whether Bedford Falls was inspired by Seneca Falls but there are too many coincidences to ignore.
- Both are mill towns
- There's the same grassy median George runs down in the movie
- Both towns are filled with Victorian architecture
- Both have a large Italian population
- George’s sister-in-law’s father owns a glass factory in Buffalo
- Bailey’s friend Sam wants to build a soybean processing plant outside of Rochester
- The bank examiner wants to get back to Elmira on Christmas Eve
- The Bedford Falls High School was dedicated in 1927 the same year as the old Mynderse Academy
- The Bailey’s Savings and Loan Association builds low-cost housing called Bailey Park. In Seneca Falls, 19th Century factory owner John Rumsey helped immigrant workers by lending them money and building low-cost housing
There's even a Wonderful Life Museum in Seneca Falls, honoring the movie and its roots which will be expanding this year.
The 76th Anniversary Celebration of “It’s a Wonderful Life” will run from December 9-11 with several cast members making an appearance:
Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”)
Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”)
Michael Chapin (“Young George’s Friend”)
Donald and Ronald Collins (“Little Pete Bailey”)
The festival ends with the ringing of the bells every year to honor those who have left an impact on the community. You can buy a bell to ring for someone you want to honor at wonderfulllifemuseum.com, where you'll also find a list of daily events.
Wherever the real Bedford Falls is, it'll be a wonderful weekend in Seneca Falls where plenty of angels will get their wings.