George Washington's Mount Vernon

For Immediate Release

January 23, 2007

Media Contact:

Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Historic Mount Vernon celebrates George Washington’s 275th birthday Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18 with patriotic early-American music, “America’s Smallest Hometown Parade”, and Washington’s favorite breakfast – with “the General” himself joining visitors to partake of “hoecakes swimming in butter and honey”! The party continues the evening of the 18^th with George Washington’s 60^th annual Birthnight Supper and Ball. The weekend leads up to a grand birthday party for the first president on Monday, February 19, with spirited military demonstrations, an encore performance of “America’s Smallest Hometown Parade”, and a moving wreathlaying ceremony at Washington’s tomb. All visitors are admitted free-of-charge on the national observance of George Washington’s birthday, Monday, February 19.

Schedule for Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join “George Washington” for breakfast as he enjoys his favorite morning meal, “hoecakes swimming in butter and honey”, cooked over an open fire (while supplies last). Pull up a hay bale and chat with the Father of Our Country about politics, farming, the Revolutionary War, and life in the 18th century.

1:30 p.m. “America’s Smallest Hometown Parade”, complete with fife and drum corps, early-American music and adorable heritage breed animals, lines up to march past “General Washington”, the Mansion and around the circle drive for all to see.

6:00 p.m. 60^th Annual George Washington’s Birthnight Supper and Ball (February 18 only), featuring cocktails, supper, raffle and silent auction. Hosted by the Neighborhood Friends, the event raises funds for the reconstruction of the Blacksmith Shop at Mount Vernon. RSVP deadline is February 8. Tickets start at $150. Call 703-799-8647 for reservations.

Schedule for Monday, February 19, the national holiday for Washington’s Birthday

Free admission

10:00 a.m. An official representative of the Military District of Washington leads a wreathlaying ceremony at Washington’s tomb, followed by a performance and Revolutionary War battle demonstration by the United States Third Infantry, The Old Guard Fife & Drum, and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard. “General Washington” will be on the grounds to greet visitors and receive their birthday wishes.

1:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, the crowd-pleasing “America’s Smallest Hometown Parade” will take place on Monday in addition to the weekend performances. The jubilant parade includes a fife and drum corps, early-American music and adorable heritage breed animals marching past “General Washington”, the Mansion and around the circle drive.

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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.

Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TODD); www.mountvernon.org

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital.

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $13.00; senior citizens, $12.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $6.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds