Bring the whole family for a bash supporting historical education Friday evening.
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation will host its fifth annual Party on the Pier event, with live music, barbeque and dancing at Jamestown Settlement on the James River, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
With myriad black tie dinners and galas happening this season, Christina Dominguez, director of the foundation’s annual fund and an organizer of the event, said the focus on family sets Party on the Pier apart.
“This to me feels more successful because it’s fun. It’s fun for the whole family, and it stays with our mission, that education component,” she said.
Since the party’s start five years ago, organizers have expanded the activities for children. Ships — including the Susan Constant, the largest of the foundation’s vessels — will be docked and packed with costumed historical interpreters leading tours above and below deck. Dominguez said the activity has been especially popular with younger families who have attended in the past.
In addition to hoping the party will encourage a love of history in all generations, she sees the event as a way to engage with residents and connect them with JYF’s role in the area.
“We just felt like it was a way to reach out to the local community and do something fun after hours,” Dominguez said. “We have a beautiful venue down there on the pier and really wanted to reach out to people and have them visit our site — maybe not in the tradition way.”
Proceeds from the party go to the foundation’s annual fund which goes mostly to educational programs at Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center and across the country. Ticket sales will help fund everything from tools used by interpreters to supplies for visiting school classes to materials taken offsite in foundation outreach projects.
Dominguez said the party tends to sell out, and encouraged those interested to purchase tickets ahead of time. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door due to capacity.
Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12, through Thursday. Tickets sold at the door are $30 for adults and $10 for children.
Admission includes a full barbecue dinner by Beach Bully BBQ of Virginia Beach, with musical background by local band Slapnation.
Chairs and blankets are welcome for taking in the sunset views, but coolers are not permitted.
For more information or to purchase tickets online, click here.
