Feasting on a large stack of "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey" is the way to really begin celebrating President's Day.
That's what guests at the Mount Vernon Estate will be treated to Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 15, when they sit down for "Breakfast with George Washington" and partake of his favorite morning fare prepared colonial-style over an open fire. From 9 a.m. to noon, visitors will be joined by the Chief of State himself.
Beginning at 1:30 p.m. both days, the Estate is the site of "America's Smallest Hometown Parade." A jubilant colonial parade, it features musicians, Mount Vernon's rare-breed animals, and a fife and drum corps. Both events are included in regular admission.
On Sunday, Feb. 15, beginning at 6 p.m., at the Mount Vernon Inn restaurant, the Neighborhood Friends of Historic Mount Vernon will host the 57th annual George Washington Birthnight Ball and Supper. That event includes cocktails, dinner, silent auction, and raffle. Tickets range from $125 to $175, with all proceeds benefiting restoration efforts at the Estate.
ON THE NATIONAL HOLIDAY, Feb. 16, admission to the Estate is free. In addition to the regular tours, a ceremonial wreathlaying at Washington's Tomb at 10 a.m. will be followed by patriotic music and military drill performances on the bowling green by the U.S. Army Old Fife and Drum Corps and the Commander-in-chief's Guard.
They will be joined by "General Washington" who will be on the grounds to accept birthday wishes and answer questions such as, 'did he actually have wooden teeth?' 'Did he chop down a cherry tree?' 'Did he throw a silver dollar across the Potomac?' 'Did he wear a wig?' and, in this presidential election year, 'How many votes did he get in the first presidential election?'
CELEBRATION OF his 272nd birthday concludes on the actual day, Sunday, Feb. 22. To mark that event, all visitors to the Estate named George or who share his birth date, will be admitted free of charge that day.
For information and reservations pertaining to the Birthnight Ball, call 703-799-8647. General information is available by calling 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD) or through the web site www.mountvernon.org.