Get your fancy hat ready and head out to the Hat Parade as part of the “Run For the Roses Kentucky Derby Party.” This gala event will be held at the historic home “Springfield” in Heathsville on Saturday May 6, as a benefit for the Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett Tavern. William Harding built Springfield in 1828. It is a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the national Register of Historic Places.
Lew and Peggy Fleming, the owners of Springfield, are hosting this event with a lot of help from other “Tavern Rangers” who are committed to the continued expansion of the fully restored Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett Tavern. Over the years, both Lew and Peggy, have been active members of the Tavern Association. Lew was one of the original members beginning in 1992 when restoration was only a dream for the “vine covered collapsing building” known to locals as being “the old tavern”. Peggy is the recent past President of the Association who has been succeeded by George Beckett, the current President.
“You’ve Come A Long Way Baby” appropriately describes the achieved results of many dedicated Tavern Rangers who have given and continue to give their time, money and skills for achieving their restoration vision. Today, in addition to the restored Tavern that houses a terrific restaurant and an excellent gift store, the upstairs area depicts typical furnishings of hotel rooms found in taverns of past eras. In addition to the restoration of the original building, Tavern Rangers have also built a functioning blacksmith shop, which not only produces items to sell, but also provides a free opportunity for demonstrating the skills of this trade. There is also a very talented and active quilting guild. The guild members make and sell quilts at an annual action to benefit the tavern. Underway today is the Transportation Building, which will be available for community functions. And what about future plans? A grant has been acquired from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to construct a carriage house on the grounds. Today the Tavern has several carriages that will be housed in the new carriage house.
What is significant about the achievements of the Tavern Rangers? The significance is these are some serious people when it comes to turning a vision into reality. And, now they share the vision of having the upcoming Derby Party to be a gala that no one will want to miss. Events, in addition to the hat parade, will include displays by the Heathsville Blacksmith Forge, quilt displays by the Tavern Quilt Guild, a Silent Auction, old carriages will be on review and there will also be the opportunity to choose your favorite horse. If these events don’t interest you then maybe you will enjoy taking a stroll through the gardens of Springfield. If you enjoy history and antiques, you will want to stroll through the house and imagine the era as depicted by John Harding Jr. in “Reluctant Rebel.” I have been told there will also be the offerings to “taste local wines and foods.” And, if all of that isn’t enough, maybe you’ll just want to be there to support the great work of the Tavern Rangers or even propose a toast as you begin to sip your Mint Juleps. Yes we do live in Virginia and yes mint juleps are best known for being an integral part of The Kentucky Derby. However, on Saturday May 6 from 3-7 p.m. you can forget where you live today and frolic with costumed Rangers at a historic site that is well suited for recreating a day only experienced in our colonial past. Rain? Don’t worry, as tents will be set up and umbrellas available.
Tickets are $50 per person and this includes local cuisine, open bar
and wines, as well as those talked about “mint juleps.” Reservations
must be in by April 29, 2006 for pick-up at the gate on May 6. Call the
Tavern Office at 580-3377 or the Tavern Store at 580-3536 to order your
tickets by credit card or to get further information.
© 2006 Northern Neck Buyers Guide. All Rights Reserved.