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.

Photo by Mira Earls
Photo by Mira Earls
loading...

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!’”

Photo Credit - Henry Law
Photo Credit - Henry Law
loading...

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.

Photo Credit - Henry Law
Photo Credit - Henry Law
loading...

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.

Photo Credit - Henry Law
Photo Credit - Henry Law
loading...

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.

25 New York Locations Featured in the Movies

The Hudson Valley, or the new Hollywood? The Hudson Valley has been featured in many movies over the years, and it's not stopping. From recent hits like A Quiet Place (2018) to modern- classic films like The Departed (2006), The Hudson Valley has been a low-key hot spot for locations. Due to tax incentives, beautiful locations, and the growth of independent filmmaking, the Hudson Valley will continue to thrive as a valuable destination for filmmakers.

So, we compiled a list of 25 Hudson Valley locations featured in film. This list includes blockbuster hits and independent films too. We hope you enjoy reading through, and learn more about The Hudson Valley and film!

Longest Christmas Lights Display in the World a Short Drive from CNY

Millions travel to Niagara Falls for the Winter Festival of Lights to see the more than 3 million lights and spectacular fireworks displays that run from November 12, 2022, through February 20, 2023.

35 Famous People Buried in New York State

Cemeteries in New York have a number of famous people buried there. Here are 35, from Presidents and sports stars to Hollywood icons.

More From Lite 98.7