Record Attendance at VC!

Jul 12

*Bill Ramsey of the Mason Dixon Model T Car Club offers free rides in the Historic District. Photo courtesy Laura Stutzman ©2024 Eloqui, Inc.*

The fourth consecutive Victorian Chautauqua was a resounding success, with record-breaking attendance and picture-perfect weather. If you attended, you’re input is invaluable. A follow-up survey can be found at vc1881.com or by selecting the button below. Please share your impressions of the festival and make your recommendations for future events. The Victorian Chautauqua relies heavily on community feedback.

As stated by an attendee of the festival, “There is so much to do and for literally anyone.” Live portrayals of historical figures like General George Marshal and Henry Simpson remain a popular attraction. Diane Macklin earned uproarious applause and a standing ovation for her portrayal of Zora Neal Hurston. A series of lectures enlightened festival-goers about Garrett County birds, the Civil War reconstruction, Hemp, the history of playing cards, and more. Trolley Tours of the historic district were continuous and available in Model T cars on Saturday and by horse-drawn carriage on Sunday. High-Wheelman, Brian Birkner could be seen whisking by, perched nearly six feet off the ground on his penny-farthing bicycle. During his breaks, he would tell people about how the bicycle was introduced as the first form of personal transportation.

First-timers to The Victorian Chautauqua were amazed to find that all the programming and tours were free of charge thanks to grant funding from Maryland Humanities, Community Trust Foundation, Maryland State Arts Council, the Garrett County Arts Council, various local businesses, and individuals. (see the list below)

“I had several people ask me in advance of the festival how much various things cost,” said Mark Stutzman who fields questions on social media and via email. “I would respond, ‘With the exception of the vendors, it’s all free,’ and they can hardly believe it.”

Mayor Don Sincell and his town council have steadily improved Leo Martin Memorial Park, where the bulk of the festival takes place. Upgrades like pavers around the round stage, completing sidewalks, added landscaping, and laying sod have greatly improved the visitor experience while making the stage more easily accessible for those with disabilities. New permanent restrooms were not completed in time for this year’s event; however, fixtures and interior finishes will be added in the coming weeks. According to Sincell, it will just be one more upgrade for 2025.

“It’s hard to believe this is our fourth year,” said Sincell who takes great pride in his town. “It seems to keep getting bigger and better with each year. I take great joy in seeing so many visitors enjoying the town and learning about our history.”

Mountain Maryland Gateway To The West Heritage Area provided match funding to dress up Artisan Row with branded flags for the vendors. The funding also went toward upgrading Vaudeville In The Street with an official round stage for performers and an audio system for the Trolley that assisted tour guides in being heard more easily.

A new feature in 2024 was the more centralized location of the Kid-Tauqua tent. Fully funded by Samantha Funding the Arts, lively activities like dress-up, tie-dying, and make ‘n’ take, and programming that included music, puppet-making, guitar lessons, and a junior steel drum band from Crellin Elementary School added to the festival's vibrance. Even more, activities that included bubble-making and sidewalk chalk art were near the Splash Pad at Leo Martin Memorial Park. Children were continually kept busy.

The Ticket Office Museum was filled with curious visitors throughout the weekend. Volunteers answered questions about Mountain Lake Park’s founding years and what life was like at the turn of the 20th century. They also handed out self-guided tour maps of the Historic District to anyone who wanted to venture out on their own. Maps are available year-round near the museum's entrance, and private tours are by appointment anytime.

Two popular heritage artists accepted commissions on both days. Dave Wilson from The Victorian Photography Studio in Gettysburg was never without a sitter for his tintype camera as he artfully posed his subjects under dappled light from towering white oaks. Lauren Muney from Silhouettes By Hand skillfully hand-cut silhouettes out of black paper for her delighted subjects in a matter of minutes. Based on the reactions, it becomes apparent that the two portrait mediums become treasured heirlooms for individuals and families.

“Of all the annual events I work each year, the Victorian Chautauqua is a favorite!” shared Lauren Muney. “Between the outstanding programs, artistic signage, and the beautiful town, each visitor and participant finds so many beautiful elements to enjoy the experience— and memories to take home. I’m honored if my silhouettes are part of that memory.”

And it wouldn’t be The Victorian Chautauqua without the Beard & Mustache Contest and The Victorian Hat Competition. The Beard & Mustache Hairyman Championship Cup went to Samuel Gish of Grantsville, Maryland, who sported a waxed mustache and bushy auburn beard. The Victorian Hat Championship Cup went to Baltimore’s Christina McAlpine, marking her second consecutive victory for her elaborately adorned hat using a cottage garden theme. The playful competitions left the judges with a difficult decision before awarding the trophies, which included second and third runners-up Andrew Hill from West Virginia and Mike VanMeter from Illinois in the Beard & Mustache Contest. Erin Risley and Amanda McKinley, who are from different towns in Illinois, nabbed second and third place in the Victorian Hat Competition. Congratulations to the winners!

Plans for the 2025 Victorian Chautauqua are already underway. Performers and acts unable to fit into the 2024 schedule will be part of next year’s festival. The gallery below captures some of the weekend’s highlights. Thank you to everyone who attended, to the many volunteers, and to all of the donors who helped make this a wonderful and memorable community event.

2024 EVENT SPONSORS