Kid-Tauqua Gets Fully Funded
Pictured: Don Sincell, Mayor, Suzie Sincell, Kid-Tauqua Chair, June & Charlie McClosky, Samantha Funding The Arts, Karen Wooddell, Mountain Lake Park Historical Association.
The Kid-Tauqua programming takes place under the Deaconess Tent beginning at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 9, and at 12:00 PM Sunday, July 10, with activities and live performances tailored especially for them.
The entire children's program at the 2022 Victorian Chautauqua has been graciously funded by Samantha Funding The Arts. The nonprofit is led by June and Charlie McClosky in memory of their daughter Samantha who was passionate about the arts. Over time, countless arts programs in the community and beyond have been made possible through the organization's philanthropic work. The couple took time out to visit the Deaconess Home site where the children’s programming will unfold. They were joined by Mountain Lake Park Mayor, Don Sincell, Kid-Tauqua Programming Chair Suzie Sincell, and President of the Mountain Lake Park Historical Association, Karen Wooddell who thanked them for their kind and generous contribution.
"We are so fortunate to be awarded the funding for the Kid-Tauquau program this year," said Suzie Sincell who chairs the children's programming. "It's going to be a wonderful weekend for kids, and everything is free for them to participate, thanks to Samantha Funding The Arts."
The family-friendly weekend will keep the little ones occupied with teeshirt tie-dying, special crafts, face-painting, bubble fun, storytime, and live musical performances. Beyond the designated Kid-Tauqua programs, families will enjoy seeing the Model T car showcase with authentic vehicles from the early 1900s. Certain drivers will even be offering joy rides, vintage style. A fun tour of Historic Mountain Lake Park on the Town Trolley is a great way to take a relaxing break while learning about what life was like before the automobile, electricity, and indoor plumbing. Kids will also enjoy seeing a high-wheel rider on an early style of bicycle once used for transportation and sport. There are also delectable treats and unforgettable hand-pressed lemonade. Families on a tight budget are welcome to bring a picnic basket and dine on the lawn or in Leo Martin Memorial Park. Children's activities, admission, and parking are all free.
Set up as an interactive experience, children can meet and greet performers, ask questions, and often join in. From singalongs to tall tales, youngsters will be left with lasting memories of the Victorian Chautauqua.
Various musical performances include Kari Groff, who will present a unique musical collaboration featuring Victorian-era songs for children. Francis “Ranger Champ” Zumbrun, will be returning to lead a traditional campfire singalong with a special appearance from Smokey Bear. His song classics include everyone’s unforgettable favorites. Other programs include storytime, Puppets & Play, by JoAnn Dadison, and musical guest, Dr. Sally dhruva’ Stephenson. Kevin Dodge will introduce children to the wonders of wildlife that emerges after dark with his program Hoots, Toots, Peents & Peeps, and Garrett County’s award-winning FIRST robotics team will wow youngsters with a demonstration.
Some adult programs can also capture the imaginations of younger children. The West Liberty University World Music Ensemble will present an interactive workshop on African music and dance, followed by a lively steel drum concert. Crankies utilize shadow puppetry to tell stories in an unusual and artful way, and the widely acclaimed Ted Yoder Band offers broad appeal with a contemporary twist on hammered dulcimer, marimba, bass, and drums. Making time for the violin and piano concert is an opportunity to expose youngsters to a classical musical experience which will also feature Dale Stuckenbruck playing an ordinary hand saw with a bow.
Historical performances will keep the attention of young, developing minds. Theatrical presentations of influential figures from the past are a perfect way to learn without feeling like school. The whole family can leave with plenty to talk about and a yearning to return next year.
Families will also enjoy visiting the Historic Ticket Office and Museum. It was once a companion building to the 5,000-seat open Bashford Amphitheater. Travel through time by looking at Victorian photographs, postcards, and artifacts. Docents will be on hand to answer questions about life at the turn of the last century.
Samantha Funding The Arts join other sponsors who financially support the festival as a free weekend experience. The Community Trust Foundation has funded the Writers' Workshop Series from July 11-15. Friends of Ruth Enlow Library has fully funded 20 tuition fees for the youth programs making participation free of charge. Both youth writing workshops are full but students can be placed on a waiting list by request. Landon's Library is sponsoring the Children's Book Writing workshop for adults.
Grants from the Garrett County Arts Council, and the MD State Arts Council have helped offset presenters' costs, along with sponsorship from J. Gregory Law Firm, L.C. and Firewater Kitchen & Bar. John Rose at Edward Jones has sponsored the TeenPunk Silent Disco taking place on the evening of July 9th.
The Gilbert & Schlattman Family has funded the Crankies shadow puppet show. Mary Helen & Bob Spear have sponsored Mary Ann Jung's portrayal of Clara Barton. Additional private funding has come from Suzie & Don Sincell, Laurie & Bill Grant, and an Anonymous Donor Who Loves Mountain Lake Park.
The Joseph H. Wooddell Trust is funding the Julia Ruhl reenactment and roadside marker dedication ceremony on Sunday, July 10, at 4:00 PM.
Aarons has donated the large-screen televisions for the presenters, and free weekend Wi-Fi will be provided by NeuBeam.
"Our sponsors are not only important to help fund the many activities, but they also become part of this celebratory event," said Mark Stutzman the festival's creative director. "With so much happening, there is something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. We're seeing a lot of enthusiasm that will certainly help the Victorian Chautauqua grow each year."
