Celebrating Five Years!
Wheelman, Brian Birkner, Sallie Stuart portrays Suffragist Julia Ruhl, Christina McAlpine wins the first Victorian Hat Competition, Diane Macklin portrays American writer and anthropologist Zora Neal Hurston.
In the blink of an eye, 2025 will mark The Victorian Chautauqua’s fifth anniversary! Another exciting and entertaining program promises to deliver an event to launch summer-long fun in Mountain Lake Park’s Historic District. Historical portrayals, lectures, live music, entertainment, activities, and artisans have made Mountain Lake Park the latest destination for area residents and visitors to enjoy. The festival’s immersive Victorian experience is a theme guests have embraced by dressing in period attire, posing for tintype photographs, and competing in the Beard & Mustache Contest and the Victorian Hat Competition. Each year, attendance has grown, making it a lively gathering and reunion festival for families and friends. And in the Chautauqua tradition, plenty of learning happens through engaging presentations for all ages, and best of all, there’s always free admission and parking!
Bethel Center interior.
What’s new for 2025?
Bethel Center opened its doors with a dedication ceremony on September 23, 2024, to over 200 people eager to celebrate and learn about the African American story in Garrett County. The former African Methodist Episcopal Church will be open during the festival with special programs from Diane Macklin, highlighting the presence of people who were essential to Garrett County’s founding years. Diane portrayed Zora Neal Hurston at the last Victorian Chautauqua, earning her a standing ovation.
Deep Creek Lake Centennial
The year ahead also celebrates 100 years of Deep Creek Lake, the county’s crowning jewel that attracts adventurous souls to explore our mountaintop community. Mikey Virts, the current Artistic Director of Our Town Theatre, will deliver a dynamic portrayal of Gene Yell, the Artistic Director of the former famed Blue Barn. The portrayal will take a nostalgic journey of Yell, a faculty member at the University of New Mexico who produced theatrical presentations, blending his students with local talent to entertain Deep Creek Lake audiences in a rustic barn.
The Deaconess front parlor.
New MLPHA Headquarters
The Mountain Lake Park Historical Association (MLPHA) acquired The Thompson Rest Home For Deaconesses this year as its official headquarters. It is the oldest surviving Mountain Lake Park cottage, built in 1882 by Reverend John Thompson, who delivered the first sermon at the Mountain Chautauqua. It is also the first rest home specifically for Methodist female clergy. Fondly called “The Deaconess,” special plans are underway for tours of the building, which is awaiting restoration funding.
A Weekend Celebration
Over the last four years, The Victorian Chautauqua was held on the weekend immediately following the 4th of July holiday. With Independence Day falling on a Friday in 2025, the planning committee is moving the festival to the following weekend, July 12th & 13th, so as not to compete with family celebrations. The festival program is nearly complete. You’ll see historical portrayals of American singer-songwriter Woodie Guthrie, Oliver Wendel Holmes, and landscape architect Frederick Olmstead. Learn about the historical impact of the Chautauqua movement, and a certified expert in Victorian etiquette will show you the ins and outs of hosting a high tea. Hear traditional music from an all-female African American barbershop quartet while learning about the music genre’s little-known origins.
Vaudeville in the Street returns with various acts, including the all-new Victory Circus, an ensemble of impressive acrobatics, fire, and aerialist performers. Hear traditional blues and classical guitar from top musicians. Street performers will provide astonishing, close-up, and personalized entertainment.
Don’t forget to visit the Ticket Office Museum, take a guided Boardwalk Tour of the Historic District on the Town Trolley, scoot around in a Model T, or catch a decorated horse-drawn carriage ride pulled by the mammoth black Percheron horses, Oden and Zuse. Learn about early cycling from an authentic wheelman and stroll among a collection of beautiful classic cars.
Children and grandchildren can enjoy a day of fun under the Kid-Tauqua tent. Face painting, tie-dyeing, bubble-making, make ‘n’ take, programs, workshops, dress-up, and more make the day complete for the entire family. For a wet and wild time, stop by the Splash Pad. The kids will never want to leave.
Artisan Row continues to grow each year, adding new vendors offering handmade goods from edibles and medicinals to collectibles and wearables. Meet the creators behind the wares and learn how things are made. Between showtimes and shopping, grab something to eat from one of several food vendors. An expanded food market will offer a broader range of delicious options to nourish you all day.
Attendees will experience upgrades in Leo Martin Park, including new permanent restrooms with multiple stalls for men and women and a handicapped unisex family option. An additional air-conditioned restroom trailer will be conveniently located near the tent venues outside the park boundaries.
Mark your calendar for July 12th & 13th, and invite your family and friends to the 2025 Victorian Chautauqua. More programming details will be announced soon.
