For Immediate Release
September 14, 2005
Digital images available
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days, October 22 and 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entire family will enjoy autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, and early-American games and music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price and each child receives a free pumpkin while supplies last. Fall Harvest Family Days is included with admission to the estate this weekend: $11 adults; $10.50 seniors; $5 children 6-11; free for children under 5.
During Fall Harvest Family Days, visitors join the Mount Vernon staff in bidding farewell to farming season with a traditional harvest celebration that includes live performances by 18th-century musicians, wheat-treading demonstrations in Washington’s 16-sided barn, and candle making and farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations. Children can create their own cornhusk dolls, find their way through a straw bale maze, and play early-American games including hoops and graces. Costumed field workers demonstrate open-fire cooking and children participate in the cooking by roasting their own apple slices. The Mount Vernon Inn offers concessions on site.
“Mount Vernon’s fall festival is fun and educational,” said Stephanie Brown, Mount Vernon’s Associate Director for Public Affairs. “Kids of all ages love being down on the farm with our heritage animals and variety of activities.” When visitors purchase a ticket to the estate during Fall Harvest Family Days, they will receive complimentary admission to George Washington’s Gristmill, located 3 miles from the estate. At the Gristmill, visitors can watch the 18th-century water-powered mill in operation, discover how it works, and learn how this particular mill played an important role in George Washington’s vision for America’s future as “granary to the world.” Costumed millers share stories of the history of the mill and the people who lived and worked there during Washington’s time.
###
Events, programs, and activities are subject to change. Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org
