06 Feb 2007
(Shenandoah Caverns, Va.) � You can experience the pageantry of the Presidency as part of this month�s President�s Day celebrations by visiting American Celebration on Parade at Shenandoah Caverns, Virginia. The 40,000-square-foot exhibition, just 90 miles from Washington, D.C., houses one of the largest collections of Presidential Inaugural material on public display. The exhibition includes numerous inaugural parade floats; d�cor elements from Inaugural Balls dating back as far as 1961; and an exhibit of inaugural memorabilia including photographs, ball tickets, license plates, credentials and other items. Four of the floats on display participated in the 2005 and 2001 inaugural parades for President George W. Bush. The 85-foot-long Wyoming float, featured in both the 2005 and 2001 parades, was built to honor Vice-President Richard Cheney and includes spectacular Wyoming scenes and symbols. A 1,000-gallon rushing mountain stream, the Grand Tetons, buffalo, mountain goats, a bronco rider, and an authentic 1862 Conestoga wagon all bring the scenery of Wyoming to the Shenandoah Valley. The backdrop for the 2005 Texas float provides a great photo opportunity � one of several places where visitors can �climb aboard� and take a family picture. The 23-foot-tall backdrop provided the background for the presidential float that carried the Crawford, Texas High School band and Miss Texas. The 60-foot-long American Flag float was the finale for the 2005 parade but was first built for President Ronald Reagan�s second inaugural in 1985 and has appeared in other inaugurals and numerous national celebrations. The American Eagle float was the theme float for the 2001 parade. The Eagle float, originally built for the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, also appeared in inaugural parades for Ronald Reagan, the elder George Bush, and Bill Clinton. Three other floats in the collection also participated in past inaugural parades including a Colonial Soldier, a saxophone-playing band of pelicans, and a 100-foot train. From inaugural floats that honored presidents to the playful polar bears and giant genie that won Rose Parade honors, there�s something to fascinate visitors of all ages. Adults will recognize famous floats from nationally televised parades while children will enjoy the fanciful movement designers build into the huge creations to bring them to life. There�s even a huge Cootie Bug from the Macy�s Thanksgiving Day Parade that will bring back childhood memories for many. If you�re a serious student of the presidents, the attraction�s web site (www.shenandoahcaverns.com) includes historical information about America�s inaugural traditions and links to other Presidential sites. Other �Presidential� locations in the area include The Museum of American Presidents in Strasburg, Virginia; the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in Staunton, Virginia; Monticello (Thomas Jefferson home) and Ash Lawn-Highland (James Monroe home) near Charlottesville, Virginia; and Montpelier (James Madison home) in Orange, Virginia.
American Celebration on Parade is one of the Shenandoah Caverns family of attractions. Shenandoah Caverns is Virginia�s only cavern with elevator service. Main Street of Yesteryear is a walk down memory lane with antique animated department store window displays like those families used to view together during the holidays on main streets across America. The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns, which opens in June 2007, will offer food service, Virginia arts and crafts, and agricultural heritage exhibits. The attractions are open all year and are just two minutes from Exit 269 of I-81. Call 1-888-4CAVERN or visit www.shenandoahcaverns.com for additional information.
When you go: � Motels and bed & breakfast accommodations are plentiful in the area. Check out specifics on the caverns web site � Food choices in the area range from fast food to fine dining � Local wineries offer tours and tastings. You can download a copy of the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail from the caverns web site
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Media Contact: Marvin Bond 301-306-4665 marvinbond@hargroveinc.com