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Festival Schedule

November 16-18, 2007 in historic downtown Charlottesville

Friday November 16

6-7 PM Revolutionary Candlelight Parade
Downtown Mall starting at the Ice Park

 

Kickoff the Thanksgiving season with hundreds of costumed people from Charlottesville’s past. Includes gun firing, music and dancing of the period, and a greeting from Jefferson and modern city leaders. Anyone who dresses in colonial costume may join in the procession and become eligible to win a prize for best adult and children’s costume. This is part of the Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival. Sponsored by the City of Charlottesville and NBC29TV
 

7-10 PM

Governor Jefferson's Thanksgiving Ball
Olde Town Center, 609 East Market St


Celebrate thanksgiving with Governor and Mrs. Jefferson at a Revolutionary Ball. Period dancing is performed and taught by Cuckoo Assembly Dancers and music is performed by Howard Markham and Michael Dunn. People may mingle and converse with historic people from the past. Special activities are provided for children also. Admission fee covers light fare. Cash bar is provided by adjacent Boheme restaurant. Admission $5 adults and $2 children. Advance reservations required at the RSVP page or by calling 434-760-2408. This is part of the Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival. Sponsored by the Daily Progress.


Saturday November 17

11 AM Battle Reenactment!
The British invasion of Charlottesville
Court Square

Come see dozens of Revolutionary war re-enactors from the mid-Atlantic region gather to recreate the 1781 battle in Charlottesville. Includes gun and artillery fire (may be too loud for very small children). Free. Takes place rain or shine.  Sponsored by the City of Charlottesville
 

12 PM-5 PM
ongoing
Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival Multiple Activities
Court Square

Mingle and converse with famous people from the past such as Thomas and Martha Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, Jack Jouett, Daniel Boone and others. Observe blacksmiths, woodworkers, weavers and candle-makers. Sing along with William Michie and his period folk songs or watch period dances being performed. Visit a British, Hessian, and American soldier camp and kids may even join in drills with the “little militia.” Children can also participate in period games and win prizes or go on a horse-drawn carriage ride (for small fee).  Most activities are free. Most take place even in rain. Sponsored by DailyProgress.com
 

4 PM & 8 PM

Free as the Air - a story of Revolutionary Charlottesville
Olde Town Center, 609 East Market St

This original play performed by the Jeffersonian Theater Company and directed by Bernard Hankins draws on real historical sources. Featured actors are Darrell Bailey of Harrisonburg and Shelley Hendry of Bedford. This is part of the Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival. It is free, but reservations are required by calling 760-2408 or by visiting the RSVP page.  Sponsored by Albemarle Family magazine.


Sunday November 18

11 AM A Shocking Thanksgiving Service - a dramatic play
Olde Town Center, 609 East Market St

 

Join a religious gathering proclaimed by Governor Jefferson in 1779 and attending by other Revolutionary heroes. This original play performed by the Jeffersonian Theater Company and directed by Bernard Hankins draws on real historical sources including a sermon of the period. This is part of the Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival. It is free, but reservations are required by calling 760-2408 or by visiting the RSVP page.  Sponsored by Grace Covenant Church
 

12-3 PM
ongoing
Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival Multiple Activities
Court Square

Mingle and converse with famous people from the past such as George Washington, Mildred Walker, and others. Observe blacksmiths, woodworkers, weavers and candle-makers. Watch period dances being performed. Visit a British, Hessian, and American soldier camp and kids may even join in drills with the “little militia.” Children can also participate in period games and win prizes. All activities are free and take place even in rain.  Sponsored by the Charlottesville Parking Center


Seats in the Olde Town Center will be limited to those who arrive early or who request tickets ahead of time.
 


© 2007 Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival
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