FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sonnenberg Gardens Opens for the Season on April 29

CANANDAIGUA – Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park opens its gates to visitors on April 29 for its 44th season as a public garden and historic home. Sonnenberg, originally built and owned by banker Frederick Ferris Thompson and his wife Mary Clark Thompson, opened as a public attraction in 1973 after ownership was transferred from the US government to a nonprofit friends group. Today, Sonnenberg Gardens is one of the premier tourist attractions of the region and is open daily May through October welcoming 35,000 people annually to its Victorian estate featuring a 40-room mansion, 9 historic gardens, and antique green house complex. The park is also a popular wedding venue and home to the Finger Lakes Wine Center. And located only one mile from downtown Canandaigua, a Sonnenberg visit is the perfect pairing with any visit to Canandaigua.

Starting April 29th, Sonnenberg Gardens is open 7 days a week, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm with extended hours of 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. General admission is $14 per person, $12/Seniors (60+) and AAA members, $7/Students (13-17 years & college w/ ID) and Military personnel w/ ID, $2/Children (4-12 years) and Free for 3 and under. Combination admission specials with seven other area attractions such as the George Eastman Museum and the Genesee Country Village & Museum are available for the 2017 season. For more information, call their offices at 585-394-4922 or visit their website at www.sonnenberg.org.

Throughout the year, Sonnenberg maintains a very active fundraising events calendar and they are kicking off their 2017 Opening Weekend with their annual Sonnenberg Spring 5K Run/Stroll. This timed race invites participants to run or walk a route around Sonnenberg Gardens and the Canandaigua VA Hospital grounds. Awards given for finishers in a variety of categories. Entry fee is $25/person pre-registration and $30/day of the race to participate. See website to preregister. All proceeds to benefit the daily operation of Sonnenberg Gardens. Race sponsored by Dobber’s Sport Bar and Grill, Three Husky’s Brewing, The Green Front Restaurant, Ray’s Restaurant, and Tall Trainer.

PHOTOS: Photos available for media use at: http://www.sonnenberg.org/about-us/press-releases-information-for-the-media/

 Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is one of America’s longest surviving estates from the Victorian Era. The elegant Queen Anne-style mansion was built in 1887 in Canandaigua by New York City financier Frederick Ferris Thompson, and his wife, Mary Clark Thompson, as a summer home. Between 1901 and 1920, the widowed Mrs. Thompson created the nine formal gardens as a tribute to the places she and Frederick had traveled to or had always wanted to visit. The grounds are open to the public from May 1 through October 31 each year. Sonnenberg is a non-profit organization dependent upon the support of members, sponsors, and its dedicated corps of volunteers. For more information, contact Marketing Director Kimberly Burkard or Executive Director David Hutchings at 585-394-4922