Mark your calendar for the weekend of May 18 & 19 to explore the back alleys and hidden gardens of Shepherdstown. This popular annual event is a fundraiser for the Shepherdstown Community Club (the club is currently in the middle of a “raise the roof” campaign to fund a much-needed roof replacement and other repairs to the War Memorial Building in downtown Shepherdstown).
More than just pretty gardens, this event includes a formal tea service featuring home-made tea sandwiches, cookies and sweets prepared by local chefs and volunteers. Local girl scouts are serving for this event — to prepare, the girls held a practice event to learn about proper “tea” etiquette. They’ll also be earning a community service badge for this work.
Walt Bartman, a local painter (above), will be organizing his students to paint “plein air” in several of the gardens during the tour. The students’ work will be exhibited at the Bridge Gallery as part of Bartman’s exhibit that runs from May 4 to June 9 (Bridge Gallery 8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown). During the tour weekend, local artists will also be exhibiting on the first floor of the War Memorial Building.
The Community Club is also offering a limited number of tickets to its donor event on Friday May 17. Tickets for this event in the garden of the former Episcopal rectory (now a private home) are $100 and include access to the weekend garden tour and tea events as well. For information about the donor event, call 304-876-3323.
Event Details
Date: May 18 & 19 (Sat & Sun). There will be 15 gardens on the tour, open 10 to 4 (both days). This year’s tour will be concentrated on one side of town, so the route will be more compact compared to prior years. The Tea service runs 11 to 3 both days, upstairs at the War Memorial Building (102 East German St). Ticket prices at $30 (children under 10 are free) and includes access to all gardens and one tea service ticket.
The event is rain or shine – wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather forecast. There will be at least one water station along the tour (and the downtown restaurants are open too).
Purchase tickets online at ShepherdstownCC.org; tickets also available in advance at the Sunday Farmer’s market.
The Walt Bartman and Goldfinch Studio Painters Exhibit is at the Bridge Gallery from May 4 through June 9 (8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown). Web: BridgeGalleryAndFraming.com.
By Staff Contributor