As in years past, Flower Mart 2012, will host two pre-Flower Mart Events:
- One will be an Art & Rum Party held in Bratenahl House in April (date TBA). Jamaican art will delight your eye and will be for sale and the artists will be on hand. Jamaican appetizers and spirits will add to the fun. Ticket prices to be announced.
- The international Floral Displays that grace the Nave will be opened in grand style at a Preview Party Cocktail Reception, May 3rd, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. There will be Jamaican spirits and fare by Negril; Music and a Silent Auction. Tickets $75. per person. If you wish to be placed on the invitation list for either event, please send us an email, click here
Both days of the Mart, there are a myriad of performances, most of them free to the public. Music, dance and special events make Flower Mart Washington’s favorite springtime family festival. For a complete listing of events and performers, refer to our Program printed by the NW Current which is available after April 20th in DC homes, and at select Maryland locations.
- Musical performances by the Schools located on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral (Beauvoir, National Cathedral School for Girls and St. Albans). These artists include choral performances, hand bells, dancers, an orchestra, jazz bands, string and wind ensembles, a percussion band and barber shop quartet. Also -
- The Kingston College Boys Choir from Jamaica
This year's Country's Music (Jamaica, 2012) including the Akwaaba Drummers and the Kingston College Chapel Choir will fill the air—both days
- Other participants have included: The Medical Musical Choir & Orchestra performed music with a message. This organization is the largest medical music non-profit group in America. They have performed at the White House, before Congress, Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and more. Come to Flower Mart and hear them for free! and The Capital Blend - an all-female, acapella Washington DC group performed oldies but goodies, international music and original compositions. Who will be coming this year? Stay tuned.
- Tower Climbs— On Saturday, take a strenuous climb for a beautiful city view. Climb the 333 steps to the dizzying heights of the bell-ringing chamber in the great Central Tower of Washington National Cathedral, 300 feet above the ground. Hear a demonstration of the bells and learn about the architecture of the Cathedral. The Tower is open to the public only once or twice a year. Tower Climbs will be featured Saturday, 10 am to 3:30 pm (except noon) every half hour. $10 per person.
- Self-guided Tours of the medieval Bishop’s Garden and the beautiful Olmsted Woods and Amphitheater. No registration needed. Pickup your brochure guide at the Herb Cottage.
- Inside the Cathedral, the beautiful “Flowers Around the World” make the Nave even more breath-taking. Floral displays created by Washington Embassies give you a rare look at countries around the world through flowers. Viewing the displays, both days of the Mart - Free.
Many more events and performances are in the planning stages now. Please check this website from time to time for more up-to-date information.
So Many Booths!
— food, gift vendors and horticultural booths will encircle the Cathedral reminiscent of medieval days. Shop On! -- Jamaican art will be for sale both days.
Perennial Favorites (Flower Mart Favorites that always draw a crowd) -
White Elephant Booth (our donors open their attics and cupboards providing treasures to delight you). As always - a wide array of collectibles, jewelry, china, crystal, prints, baskets and other items for the home and Mother's Day - a bargain shopper's paradise.
NCS Used Books, a huge tent with an amazing variety of books.
Premier Plants. All Hallows Guild's signature booth - flowers, plants and herbs.
Food
You will not go home hungry from Flower Mart. There will be everything from traditional festival foods, barbecue, pizza to chocolate covered strawberries and lobster rolls served both days. Also the St. Albans Cafe will be offering a choice of a Jamaican light lunch or coffee and dessert.
Entertainment For Children
- All Hallows Guild’s antique carousel is set up for Flower Mart each year and is a favorite of young and old. Lovingly restored, each hand-painted animal is a work of art with special significance.
- All Hallows Guild Master Puppeteers present a whimsical show, with charming puppets. The all-volunteer puppeteers have been working together for 40-plus years to delight Flower Mart audiences. Each year the show’s theme reflects the overall theme of Flower Mart. Two morning shows ( 10 am & 11 am) and three in afternoon (1 pm, 2pm & 3 pm). Children under 12 years of age, $1.; adults $2.
- Children's Games and Rides include a cake walk, a giant slide, games and mechanical rides (such as: Twister, the Tubs of Fun and self-propelled Dixie Jr. Whirly Bird, Dixie Jr. Ferris Wheel). A Moon bounce and two climbing walls will also be available. Rides and Games are ticketed. Run by parent volunteers from Beauvoir—the Cathedral’s Elementary School.
- Terri Bender, Organ Grinder, and friends, Wastel, the little monkey, who will wiggle his ears, tip his hat and his talking parrot will play their magical tunes both days.
More Flower Mart pictures to View & Download in the Flower Mart Photo Gallery >
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