Kid-Tauqua Fully Funded
Heavy equipment whirs past, preparing the new location for the Kid-Tauqua tent. Mountain Lake Park Historical Association (MLPHA) President Karen Wooddell, Mayor Don Sincell, Samantha Funding The Arts, June McClosky, MLPHA Treasurer Linda Fike, and Fundraising Dinner Chair Carolyn Henderson pose in front of the Ticket Office Museum.
The Kid-Tauqua programming takes place in a new location beginning at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 6, and at 12:00 PM Sunday, July 7, with activities, live performances, and workshops tailored especially for them.
Samantha Funding The Arts has graciously funded the entire 2024 children's program at the Victorian Chautauqua. The funding nonprofit is led by June and Charlie McClosky in memory of their daughter Samantha, who was passionate about the arts. Over time, countless arts programs for children in the community and beyond have been made possible through the organization's philanthropic work. June took time out to visit the new location where the children’s programming will unfold. She was joined by Mountain Lake Park Mayor Don Sincell, President of the Mountain Lake Park Historical Association Karen Wooddell, Treasurer Linda Fike, and Carolyn Henderson, who organizes the annual Fundraiser Dinner. Kid-Tauqua Chair Suzie Sincell regretfully could not be present for the photo and get-together.
"Samantha Funding the Arts mission aligns perfectly with the Kid-Tauquau program," said Suzie Sincell who chairs the children's programming and activities. "It's always a wonderful weekend for kids and families, and everything is free, thanks to Samantha Funding The Arts."
The family-friendly weekend will occupy the little ones with tie-dying, special crafts, face-painting, storytime, and live musical performances. Children can also head over to the Splash Pad at Leo Martin Memorial Park to take in some water play. While there, kids can be creative with sidewalk chalk art or try their hand at making giant bubbles.
Beyond the designated Kid-Tauqua programs, families will enjoy seeing the Model T and vintage car showcases on Saturday with authentic vehicles from the early 1900s. Certain Model T drivers will be offering joy rides in an old-fashioned style. A fun tour of Historic Mountain Lake Park on the Town Trolley is a great way to take a relaxing break while learning about what life was like before the automobile, electricity, and indoor plumbing. Kids will also enjoy seeing a high-wheel rider on an early style of bicycle once used for transportation, recreation, and sport. On Sunday, horse-drawn carriage rides will depart on H Street. Experience traveling through Mountain Lake Park just like the first residents and visitors did before the automobile. There are also delectable treats and unforgettable hand-pressed lemonade. Families are welcome to bring a picnic basket and dine on the lawn or in Leo Martin Memorial Park. Children's activities, admission, and parking are all free.
Set up as an interactive experience, children can meet and greet performers, ask questions, and often join in. From songs to tall tales, youngsters will be left with lasting memories of the Victorian Chautauqua.
Musical performances include Pop Hits From The Past and the Crellin Steel Drum Band. A special workshop will be led by award-winning classical guitarist, Mark Edward. He’ll supply practice guitars to children interested in learning the basics of playing a string instrument. David Moran will be sending kids on a treasure hunt, and Mikey Virts from Our Town Theatre will be hosting Theatre Games, including dress-up in fun costumes. Other programs include Puppets & Play Storytelling with JoAnn Daddisman, who will also lead a puppet-making workshop. Chuck Trautwein will return with Garrett County’s award-winning FIRST robotics team and will wow youngsters with a demonstration.
Some adult programs at Vaudeville In The Street will also capture the imaginations of younger children. West Liberty University will present a lively steel drum concert, and Black Magic Circus will present a variety show with a seven-person troupe of performative arts, including hula hoop, fire, sword swallowing, dance, and singing.
Historical performances will keep the attention of young, developing minds. Theatrical presentations of influential figures from the past are a perfect way to learn without it feeling like school. The whole family can leave with plenty to talk about and a yearning to return the next year.
Families will also enjoy visiting the Historic Ticket Office and Museum, once a companion building to the 5,000-seat open Bashford Amphitheater. Travel through time by looking at Victorian photographs, postcards, and artifacts. Docents will be on hand to answer questions about life at the turn of the last century.
Jo Ann Daddisman engages children with puppets and storytelling.
The Splash Pad is more than water play. Look for bubble-making and sidewalk chalk art, too!
Classical guitarists will lead a workshop on learning to play the guitar.
The Town crew is readying the new Kid-Tauqua site by backfilling, leveling, and seeding the lot located diagonally across Spruce Street from the Ticket Office Museum. Once completed, it will house the 30 by 60-foot tent for programs and activities. The new location will be more centrally located and near the Splash Pad at Leo Martin Memorial Park. G Street is converted to a midway during the festival, allowing pedestrian traffic to utilize the road.
Samantha Funding The Arts joins other sponsors who financially support the festival as a free weekend experience. A full list is on the website's home page. A growing number of sponsors recognize the event’s incredible experience that celebrates Mountain Lake Park, which was founded as a cultural breeding ground with deep roots in education.
