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This Saturday will bring big doings to Washington as the town : celebrates 200 years since the town was recognized by an act of the General Assembly.
How much older the town is will remain a matter of dispute, but the Assembly required a population of "200 souls" for a recognized town, so Washington definitely predates its Dec. 14, 1796 birthday by some time.
The celebration itself offers a wide variety of opportunities for those visiting to enjoy the hospitality of the county's seat.
Music will include carolers strolling in the streets, performances by the Royal Alexandria Fyfes, Drums and Trumpets on the streets and in the Town Hall and Theatre, performances by the RCHS band / and two elementary school glee clubs, and the Piedmont Quartet at the Middle Street Gallery. Also offered will be a balladeer at Mrs. Coxe's Tavern and classical harp music at Rare Finds.
Walking tours and carriage rides will be available and the town's shops will be offering hospitality and seasonal bargains. The ghost of Ann Coxe will be giving tours of her tavern. Of course food and drink will also be avaifable there, and The Country Cafe will offer a menu featuring traditional Brunswick Stew.
George Washington will return to the town he surveyed and visited frequently to address dignitaries and citizens and to help celebrate by cutting, along with co-owner Reinhardt Lynch, the spectacular birthday cake being prepared by The Inn at Little Washington.
Gen. Washington and Saint Nicholas will visit with children of all ages at the Town Hall. A tree commemorating the birthday of the town will be planted outside the Town Hall.
Several non-profit organizations are counting on visitors to the town to help raise money for their causes. The Child Care and Learning Center will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar at the old Washington School on Mount Salem Ave. Featured will be opportunities to have photos taken with Santa Claus and a "children only" shopping room. The Feline Rescue League and the Rappahannock Animal Welfare League will be hoping for help from visitors to Tanya Richey's Windflower Gallery.
Finally a group of local theatre lovers will be giving two performances of "The Shepherds' Play" at Ki Theatre at 5 and 8 p.m. This recreation of a 15th Century German nativity play performed by villagers offers dance, music and poetry, moments of humor and reverence and a reminder of the "reason for the season."
Come celebrate the history of Washington and the Christmas season.
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