Date: February 10, 2017
Contact: Pete Peterson, 301-767-3702
On Sunday, February 26, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., the Great Falls Tavern will ring with happy voices and the swish of waltzing hoop skirts. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) hosts Dr. Larry Keener Farley and his 19th-century dance ensemble for an afternoon of Civil War-era dance. Visitors will be able to enjoy the music of Gilmore’s Light Ensemble and will be encouraged to join in the fun and dance. Instruction will be provided, and no previous experience is required! Light refreshments of the period will be served.
This year, as in the past, the Tavern ballroom will serve its original purpose! Celebrating Washington’s Birthday with a grand ball was popular throughout the nation during the mid-19th century when Great Falls Tavern was a lively inn with entertainment. Washington was greatly revered as Father of the Country and Hero of the American Revolution. The dance will be held within sight of his favorite river and close to the city he choose as the Capital.
The Grand Ball will take place at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (11710 MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac, MD 20854). The dance will be free of charge. There is a fee to enter the park (currently $10 per vehicle for a single visit, unless a passenger has an applicable park pass). Call ahead for details at (301) 767-3714 (press “0” to reach a park staff person, Wed.-Sun., 9:00-4:30). For more information on the C&O Canal’s programs and events, please visit www.nps.gov/choh[nps.gov].
