200th Birthday Celebration for Virginia's Executive Mansion - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Governor Bob McDonnell and First Lady Maureen McDonnell encourage members of the public to join them as they host the 200th birthday party for Virginia's Executive Mansion Saturday, March 16th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The location for this event has been moved to the Library of Virginia due to expected inclement weather.

The celebration will include the RVA Street Foodies: Soul Ice, King of Pops, Thai Cabin, Pizza Tonight, Curbside Creations, Estes BBQ, and Magna Carta. In addition, GrowRVA will provide a heritage farm with demonstrations by Samuel Baker (Chef – Hermitage Grill), John Bryant (Old Tavern Clay), Joel Burman (The Basket Case), Steve and Cynthia Culler (Cane Connections), Gayle Ennis (Red Chicken Pottery), Suzette Lyon (Richmond Tree Stewards), Brian Munford (Chef, owner – Parkside Café), Peter and Mary Murphy (Wandering Cow Farm), Tim Murphy and Karen Atkinson (GrowRVA), Cathy Tyler (Dan Springs Collection), Jeff Vick (Jeff Vick Ceramics), Janet Woody (Richmond Tree Stewards), and Matt Harris (Woodcarver)a.  Agricultural magic shows will be performed by Brad of Agracadabra. Additional entertainment will be provided, DJ Rick Pfamatter, Musician George Dennehy, and the National Guard's 29th Division band. The Richmond Ballet's Minds in Motion and the John Frederick Show will also be present.

At 5:30 p.m., there will be a special surprise, followed by remarks from Governor McDonnell and the dedication of a new state historical marker issued by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources that commemorates Virginia's Executive Mansion, "the oldest purpose-built residence for governors and first families in the United States still serving that function," according to the marker. Secretary of Natural Resources Doug Domenech and Director of Virginia's Department of Historic Resources Kathleen Kilpatrick will join the Governor and First Lady for the dedication.

Immediately following the party, in the Library's auditorium, a full performance by George Dennehy, titled "I Won't Give Up," will precede the premiere of the movie "First House." This documentary about the Executive Mansion, produced by Emmy Award-winning Blue Ridge Public Broadcasting Service, is a companion piece to the recently published book, First House: Two Centuries with Virginia's First Families, written by Virginia historian Mary Miley Theobald, with an introduction by author David Baldacci. "First House" celebrates the Bicentennial by following the Mansion's journey throughout its history, architectural modifications, and family experiences.

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