GO.SEE.DO.
First-Ever Floating Liveaboard Residences Tour
In celebration of 6th Annual “Liveaboard Boater Day,” Southwest DC’s
colorful liveaboard community will open its doors to visitors on Saturday, Aug. 13, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. The self-guided tour at Gangplank
Marina takes visitors inside 15 of the most fun and unique homes (and
offices) in Washington DC. Owners and docents will also be available to
answer questions about the boat-homes and the liveaboard and workaboard lifestyles. The homes of Gangplank Marina have never before
been open to the public. Gangplank Marina is a 309-slip marina just
steps from the National Mall and its many monuments and museums.
For over 30 years, the marina has been home to a diverse liveaboard
community including professionals, families, artists, retirees, scientists,
members of congress and many others. Advance tickets are recommended, $11, as the tour is expected to sell out. Purchase tickets online at
dchouseboat.org. Tickets on tour day are $18. Proceeds will benefit
Southwest DC’s own Earth Conservation Corps. dchouseboat.org
Gangplank residents are a close community. Here, neighbors
gather to celebrate the wedding of two of their own. Photo:
Chris Zarconi
Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
On August 20 and 21, there are hot air balloon launches in
the early morning, 6:00-7:00 AM, and late afternoon, 5:007:00 PM, and you’re invited to take a ride or just come out to
see the magnificant balloons close-up. Festival admission is
$10. Rides are $200 for the approximately one-hour ride. You
negotiate directly with the balloon pilots. The flying circus is
located 14 miles south of Warrenton, Va and 22 miles northwest of Fredericksburg, VA, just off Route 17, at 5114 Ritchie
Road (Route 644) in Bealeton (about 60 miles from DC). Just
watch for the Flying Circus Sign. 540-439-8661. flyingcircusairshow.com
Balloons aloft in the early morning hours Photo: Vern Wells
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial
Dr. King championed a movement that draws fully from the deep
well of America’s potential for freedom, opportunity, and justice.
His vision of America is captured in his message of hope and
possibility for a future anchored in dignity, sensitivity, and mutual respect; a message that challenges each of us to recognize
that America’s true strength lies in its diversity of talents. The
MLK Memorial captures the essence of his message, a message in
which he so eloquently affirms the commanding tenants of the
American Dream--Freedom, Democracy and Opportunity for All;
a noble quest that gained him the Nobel Peace Prize and one
that continues to influence people and societies throughout the
world. The memorial’s dedication is August 28, 2011--the 48th
anniversary of King’s “Dream” speech. dedicatethedream.org
Courtesy of Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad round trip excursion, originating from downtown Cumberland, Maryland,
is an exciting mix of mountain scenery and rich transportation history. It’s an entertaining and educational
experience for riders of all ages and interests with interpretive history and lively Main Street Districts at both
ends of the trip. Experience a part of railroad history
while dining in their first class cars or travel standard
seating and arrive at the “Old Depot” in Frostburg in
time for a picnic lunch. Thursdays through Sundays,
11:30 AM departure. Thanksgiving to Christmas, the
train becomes a Santa Express on Saturdays and Sundays
and a 6:00 PM (family friendly) North Pole Express on
Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. Many people turn up in
their pajamas. 301-759-4400. wmsr.com
Maquette of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial’s Stone of Hope. Image:
Courtesy of Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project
Foundation, Inc.
“I Love Lucy” Opens at Library of Congress
The television show “I Love Lucy” developed from a confluence of talent, on-screen
chemistry, behind-the-scenes skill, and--in the words of the show’s producer, Jess Oppenheimer--“unbelievably good luck.” In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the
show’s debut, the Library of Congress presents a new exhibition, “I Love Lucy: An American Legend.” This exhibit explores the show’s history through the Lucille Ball and Desi
Arnaz family scrapbooks as well as photographs, scripts, printed and manuscript music
and other documents. Featured items in the exhibition include a manuscript drum part
for “Babalu” from the 1940s and early scrapbook photographs of the young Arnaz and
Ball in Hollywood. Also on view will be items from the Jess Oppenheimer Collection,
including a copy of the original concept and receipt for copyright registration for “I Love
Lucy” (1951). The exhibition is on view through Jan. 28, 2012 in the foyer outside the
Performing Arts Reading Room on the first floor of the James Madison Building, 101
Independence Ave. SE. loc.gov
Scrapbook page with a photograph of Ball and Arnaz, in the late 1940s. Credit:
Library of Congress; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Collection; Music Division
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