Potomac, Md. -The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) National Historical Park will celebrate the "Good Old Days of the Canal Era" this weekend, June 18th-19th, at the Great Falls Tavern located at 11710 Macarthur Boulevard Northwest, Potomac, MD. The event is open to the public and will feature activities for all ages from 10 am - 4 pm.
On Saturday, June 18th, bring your picnic basket and blanket, and play period lawn games around the Historic Great Falls Tavern to celebrate International Picnic Day. From 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm learn to play tunes on the Appalachian Dulcimer with the Mountain Dulcimers of Northern Virginia. Performances will take place behind the Tavern from 1pm-4pm.
On Sunday, June 19th, the park will offer a Lock Keeper Livestock program happening adjacent to the Tavern from 9am-4pm.Historically pigs, sheep, chickens and more were a common scene at lock houses and other buildings along the Canal. Come see heritage livestock provided by Mount Vernon, learn about animals in 19th century daily life and take a moment to vote in the pretty chicken contest!
In addition to special events, the C&O Canal will offer the following programs every weekend until Labor Day.
10:00 a.m Park Orientation (15 minutes)
12:15 p.m. Ranger Programs (60 minutes)
11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.Excursions on the historic Mercer Canal Boat. (60 minutes)
To confirm the boat ride and other programming, please call 301-767-3714 for details as special circumstances may affect this schedule. Canal Boat Ride Prices: $8.00 for adults (ages 16-61), $6.00 for seniors (ages 62 +), and $5.00 for children (ages 4-15). Children aged three and under ride free. In addition to the boat fee, there is an entrance fee to the park of $10.00 per single vehicle.
Check our Website and Facebook page for additional special event and ranger-led programs. www.nps.gov/choh, www.facebook.com/chesapeakeandohiocanal Join in the conversation this summer! #CandOcanal #great falls #towpath #mules #potomac #picnicinthepark #NPSCentennial Great Falls Tavern is located at 11710 MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac MD. 20854. Please call 301-767-3714 for more information.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
