Great Falls Day will be held on May 8 on the grounds surrounding the Great Falls Grange. This year the event is going to feature local churches, which will have history displays and will be raising money for Salem Baptist Church through a bake sale. The day is co-sponsored with the Park Authority and the Great Falls Historical Society.
It is estimated that as many as 3,000 people turn out for the annual event, according to organizer Betty Swartz.
The day kicks off at 8 a.m. with a plant sale hosted by the Friends of Riverbend Park. “One thing that draws people every year is the plant sale,” said Swartz.
The opening ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. and features a presentation of the colors by Girl Scout Troop 2879 on the Grange park grounds. Later in the day the troop will perform a re-enactment of old school days, with toys and games from the 1900s.
Throughout the afternoon, art and craft sales will be held inside the library. Face painting and balloons will be available for children.
Charles Olin of the Analemma Society will hold sundial demonstrations for adults and children alike.
“It’s a fun day. You’ll see old friends and neighbors and have a little fun,” said Susan Reinhold.
Great Falls Friends and the Old Brogue Charities are sponsoring the food for the day, which will include all-American fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers and Thelma’s ice cream. Drinks are provided by Safeway and the Great Falls Historical Society
There is no charge for the event.
<ro> Great Falls Day Events
<lst>8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Plant sale by Friends of Riverbend Park, Grange picnic shelter behind the Grange.
10:30 a.m. Opening ceremony. Presentation of the colors by Girl Scout Troop 2879, greetings and introduction of distinguished local citizens on the Grange park grounds
11 a.m.-noon. Blue Sky Puppets present “Pigtales” in the Library. Call for reservations, 703-757-8560. Raffle drawing of prize baskets from local merchants.
12-4 p.m. School-day re-enactments by Girl Scout Troop 2879 and display of toys and games from the early 1900s in the Old School House
1-5 p.m. Great Falls Studios art and craft sales in the Library.
All day
Face painting, balloons, BaHa'i of Great Falls.
Sundial demonstrations by Analemma Society.
History displays of the churches of Great Falls.
Exhibits by local organizations and sponsors.
Demonstrations on the grounds.
Music by Mill Run Dulcimer Band.