Rolling Thunder, Living History Events this Holiday Weekend

Dumfries, Va. –– It’s one the largest celebrations in the Potomac Communities all year, and it’s to celebrate the men and women who have given their lives in service of their country.

East Coast Harley Davidson in Dumfries will once again hold it’s open house on Saturday, which for years has attracted Harley enthusiasts who will ride to the National Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington and then to the Pentagon the following day as part of Rolling Thunder.

“We make it a two-day party to celebrate the soldiers who have served, and it’s a big draw for the area because of our proximity to places like Quantico and Washington, D.C.,” said East Coast spokeswoman Anji Justman.

During the event, the parking lot will fill with cyclists who will be joined by everyone else who comes to the live band, meet vendors, and register for door prizes. This year, the Each Coast VA Harley Owners Group and the Ladies of Harley will donate funds raised during the event to the Quality of Life Foundation, which is working to build a home for Jay Briseno, who at age 20 was shot in the back of the head at point blank range while serving as an Army Reservist in Iraq, leaving him unable to walk, talk or care for himself. His parents, who live in Prince William County, are now charged with every aspect of his care.

On Sunday, there will be a special ceremony held at 7:50 a.m., prior to the bikers taking to Interstate 95 bound bound for Washington.

Memorial Day Events in the Potomac Communities

National Museum of the Marine Corps
Special Event — Band of America’s Few Performance
The Band of America’s Few will perform on the Parade Deck in front of the Museum. The Band of America’s Few is comprised of former/retired Marine Musicians who are driven to provide the world with a musical group unlike anything that has been done in the past, performing music that is traditionally America’s and our beloved Corps’.
There will be two performances:  11 am & 2 pm

Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon
May 27 – 29, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
Recurring daily
Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA
Times: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Phone: (703) 780-2000
Admission: Adults, $18; children 6-11, $12; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Historic Mount Vernon invites visitors to an unprecedented evening experience! Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon, a new event over Memorial Day weekend (May 27 – 29) offers a rare opportunity to visit Mount Vernon after the daytime crowds have departed. Visitors may take evening tours of the Mansion, relax and enjoy wine and desserts available for purchase, and delight in 18th-century music, dancing, games, and wagon rides. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and immerse yourself in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation and costumed residents like the charming Lady Washington and her granddaughter Nelly interact with visitors. This family-friendly event celebrates the beginning of summer on the plantation.

Memorial Day Weekend at Historic Kenmore and
George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm
Saturday, May 28, 10am-5pm
Sunday, May 29, 10am-3pm

Ferry Farm (Stafford County)
The Civil War at Washington’s Boyhood Home
Visit with living-history interpreters
Watch cavalry and infantry close-order drilling
Enjoy period cooking demonstrations, music, and games

Kenmore (Fredericksburg)
Cannons at Kenmore: A snapshot of Kenmore during the Civil War
Special interactive tours include stories about female spies, Kenmore as a hospital, and demonstrations of period cooking in the kitchen. Visitors can talk with Civil War re-enactors about what life was like for the typical soldier

Kenmore Admission Prices: $10 adults, $5 students, under age 6, free
Ferry Farm Admission Prices: $8 adults, $4 students, under age 6, free
Combination Ticket to both sites: $15 adults, $8 students