For Immediate Release: September 8, 2005
FREDERICKSBURG WELSH FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT MONROE MUSEUM, SEPT. 17
Fredericksburg, Va. - The James Monroe Museum will host its 16th annual Fredericksburg Welsh Festival on Saturday, September 17, to celebrate President Monroe’s Welsh heritage. This event, co-sponsored by the Welsh Society of Fredericksburg, will take place in front of the museum at 908 Charles St. from noon to 5 p.m.
The museum will be open, free of charge, to the public all day; however, a donation of $3 for adults and $1 for children will be requested to help defray the expenses of the festival.
The day’s entertainment will feature IONA, the premiere Celtic ensemble in the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as local Welsh band Moch Pryderi. Also appearing will be American-Welsh folk singers Jodee James and The LaDrews, who are returning for their 16th festival appearance. Welsh folk dancer Sian Frick will lead a performance with the Fredericksburg Welsh Country Dancers.
Welsh poetry reading, storytelling, mini Welsh lessons and presentations on Welsh traditions, rugby and the history of dragons will take place in the museum garden. There will be activities for children, and craftspeople will be selling Welsh and Celtic goods.
In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held in the Family Room of St. George’s Episcopal Church, located at 905 Princess Anne St.
The James Monroe Museum, open since 1927, is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Administered for the Commonwealth of Virginia by the University of Mary Washington, the museum is open daily, except for major holidays, with an admission charge. For more information, visit the festival website at www.welshfred.com or call the museum at 540/654-1043.
# # #