Everyone is invited to be join the festivities as George Washington and Colonial Williamsburg’s new mascot, Liberty, lead a march that will light up the town during Light, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness.
Grand Illumination is taken, so you might think of it as Petite Illumination. But whatever you call it, beginning this Saturday, October 10, the Revolutionary City will be a little more welcoming for evening strolls as four iconic buildings will be lit up at night.
Ceremonies began at the Governor’s Palace at 8 p.m. After a few remarks are offered to mark the historic occasion, a switch will be thrown to illuminate the former home of Jefferson, Henry, and yes, the dastardly Dunmore.
After military units fire celebratory shots, Washington, Miss Liberty, and the Fifes and Drums will lead a torchlight march down Palace Green to the next stop, the Magazine.
Following more remarks, more shots, and more music, it’s on to the Courthouse.
Heading east on Duke of Gloucester Street, you’ll soon pass Chowning’s Tavern. The Cider Stand will be open late (as will Chowning’s Tavern Garden), so here’s your chance to sneak in a hot cider and a gingerbread cookie as you walk, or sit down and have something more substantial.
George Washington, portrayed by Ron Carnegie, will offer remarks to conclude the program at the final stop, the Capitol. At press time it was unclear if Liberty the Briard would be offering any woofs of wisdom. Anything’s possible.
At the conclusion of the program, consider joining the Official Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Walk (only $5 for the month of October) or head back to Chowning’s for a refreshment.
The Public Hospital will also be lit up beginning Oct. 10, but it won’t be part of the ceremony. Buildings will continue to be illuminated nightly from dusk until midnight, and there are plans for other key buildings to have lights installed by early 2016: the Wythe House, the St. George Tucker House, and the Randolph House.
The days are getting shorter. Don’t miss this chance to join friends, neighbors, and a few historic figures to celebrate the night life in the Historic Area.
A special thank you to Tom Green for providing these delightful gifs and a preview of what to expect!
The lights are very beautiful.But I’m not sure. They don’t seem appropriate for the colonial time period. I do understand the modern day safety issues. Maybe they will grow on me. I will be there at Christmas so I will get to give them a chance. I wonder if some nights lit and some not would give the best of both worlds.
It’s going to be something new for all of us. I think the lights will create an atmosphere that is very much in the spirit of our 18th century interpretation. And more importantly, the light will make the Historic Area a more inviting place to wander in the evening. In the 21st century we’re outside at night a lot more than colonial Virginians would have been. I hope the lights win you over!
Jessica, on a separate note— I am having problems opening my Daily Dispatch on my iPhone since updating to the 9.0IOS. No problem with ipad. I tried reinstalling it but it won’t start up. I tried contacting someone through the app. Comments. It’s a great app plus the pictures great!
The petite illumination starts on the 10th of October. Is there a finish date or is this going to be a new ongoing illumination? This should make for some really great photography opportunities! Especially dressed up for Christmas season!
Thanks for the question. It’s ongoing. We’re trying to create a more walkable town at night. And as you say, some really great opportunities for photographers to present the Historic Area in a new light, excuse the pun.
I sure hope that the buikdings are cobtinually lite & not the flashing lights as pictured here. What’s next? Neon!!!
Gail - these files are what are known as animated gifs. That’s when a picture or video is looped over and over again. So to answer your concern, the lights will not be flashing. They will be on the entire time! We hope you get to see in person how beautifully and tastefully done the uplighting is.