The Best One Yet!
Where History Lives!
Tom Peterson Portrays Ulysses S. Grant
As the sun rose on a beautiful Saturday morning in Mountain Lake Park, volunteers scurried to wipe away the morning dew in preparation for the Victorian Chautauqua’s opening day. Stages were dressed, signs set in place, and displays were arranged, as everyone busily darted through the dappled light and tended to their tasks at hand. Within a short time, audiences began pouring in.
The 2023 Victorian Chautauqua was hailed as “the best one yet,” if you follow social media. An overwhelmingly enthusiastic crowd attended with inquisitive minds and spirited nature. Volunteers, performers, vendors, and guests of the festival donned period attire creating picturesque cameos of the past throughout the Park. Among the customary historical portrayals were interpretations of presidents, abolitionists, teachers, and even an opera singer. Audiences learned about the indigenous people of Garrett County and the animal kingdom’s night shift. The two large performance tents welcomed hundreds of guests throughout the day.
Once again, Kid-Tauqua blossomed under a third large tent keeping the little ones busy with interactive live performances, music, face painting, tie-dying, make ‘n’ take, bubble making, and much more. Parents delighted in all there was to keep their children engaged throughout the day. Breaking away was difficult except for the occasional call of the Leo Marin Memorial Splash Pad and of course, the Town Trolley.
The Town Trolley, a popular part of the festival, began Saturday morning in a perilous state. The starter had gone bad as it failed to exit its resting place in the town garage bay. After receiving emergency mechanical repairs, the Trolley was up and running by 1:00 PM and kept a steady pace throughout the remainder of the festival. Hourly tour guides colorfully described Mountain Lake Park’s history including tales of prominent people, cottages, boarding homes, hotels, and lifestyles from the turn of the last century.
A surprise to some was a new program called Vaudeville In The Street. Nestled against the festival’s midway were live, nostalgic music and unusual acts. Black Magic Burlesque & Circus Productions dazzled spectators with opulent dance, hula hoops, fire handling, and acrobatics all in the spirit of a vintage circus. The frisky performances and steampunk costuming energized onlookers that erupted in rousing applause and accolades.
Sunday began with most certain rain. Still, yet, audiences gathered under the tents to enjoy the first showtimes by Matt’s Blues and Abolitionist, Francis Ellen Watkins Harper, portrayed by Phyllis Anderson. By the end of the first performances, the skies began to clear and another beautiful day was unfolding drawing out another crowd for the remainder of the day. Repeat performances allowed Saturday’s visitors to see what they missed the previous day.
Artisans lined the street showing their latest creations from jewelry to baskets, to the art of quilling, and products from bees. Charming hand-cut silhouettes by Lauren Muney resumed once the threat of rain passed. For those who couldn’t fit into the commission schedule on Saturday, tintype photographer, Chris Jones and fashion historian Courtney Cauthon made haste to fulfill requests for period-appropriate portraits.
Strong Man Cody, with his domineering physic, shared his journey to fitness and demonstrated the deadlift. At his climax, he lifted 650 pounds – nearly four times his body weight. With mouths agape onlookers erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.
As the day came to a close, an impromptu ensemble of musicians gathered at the Vaudeville In The Street stage to lead a singalong. Ranger Champ, best known for this craft, roused a finale in the street. After a few classics to warm up, musicians and spectators all joined in to close the Victorian Chautauqua weekend in song.
Waiting Out The Rain
Courtney and Chris passed the time under a dripping wet canvas finishing up a little stitch working and puffing on a pipe. Before long, the pitter-patter wained and they were back to selecting costumes and setting up the camera to capture vintage images of awaiting subjects.
Plans are already underway for the 2024 Victorian Chautauqua. It is important to note that admission and parking are free for the entire weekend. This is made possible through generous grants, sponsorships, and private donations listed in the footer of each page. If you would like to contribute, select the button below. Any amount is greatly valued. Thank you!
