On Fri, 24 Jan 2014 11:58:57 -0500, Metspitzer
wrote:

I have done that. No matter how I twist or pull, it just won't come down.
I know the remote receiver is in the canopy...is it possible that the last
owners stuffed it in there so now the whole thing is stuck? I am really at
a loss of what to do, except smash it with a hammer. No, really.

Googling for the assembly instructions was a pretty good suggestion.

Yes. And I gave a hint to at least give a us make and model number.