George Washington Ball to be held at Great Falls Tavern

Date: February 18, 2016
Contact: Geoff Suiter, [phone]

Potomac, Md. – OnSunday, February 21, 2016, from1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., the day before George Washington’s 284th birthday, the Great Falls Tavern will again ring with happy voices and the swish of waltzing hoop skirts, as the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park hosts Dr. Larry Keener Farley and his 19th-century dance ensemble for an afternoon of Civil War-era dance. Visitors will not only enjoy the music of Gilmore’s Light Ensemble, but will be encouraged to join in on the fun. Instruction will be provided, and no previous experience is required! Light refreshments of the period will be served.

For possibly the first time in a generation, 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.  

This year’s 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 [phone] (press “0” to reach a live person, Wed.-Sun.,9:00-4:30). For more information on the C&O Canal’s programs and other NPS Centennial events, please visitwww.nps.gov/choh.