by Peggy Robin
It's that time of year....it's time for the FLOWER MART at the Washington National Cathedral....and it looks like the weather will cooperate.
The 84th Annual Flower Mart takes place on on the Cathedral grounds
Friday, May 5th from 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday, May 6th from 10 am - 5 pm.
Let me just say this straight out! This is the BEST EVENT of the season. If you can't enjoy the Flower Mart....Well, I can't complete this sentence because I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't find something to enjoy. Here's just some of what's on:
- Fun rides & slides for the kiddies
- Good food from around the world
- Dozens or vendors and craftspeople selling gifts, fashions, accessories and handicrafts
- White elephant treasures and trinkets
- The Cathedral Tower Climb
- Plant & Flower Sale
- International Floral Show
- Puppet shows and, many other performances, including dancing Morris Men!
Ride Our Antique Carousel
All Hallows Guild’s antique carousel is a favorite of the young and young at heart. It dates from around 1890, and is one of only two surviving carousels manufactured by the U.S. Merry-Go-Round Corporation. The carousel was purchased by the Guild in 1963 and we continue to restore and refurbish this historic treasure.
Learn more about the antique carousel: https://allhallowsguild.org/programs/flower-mart/antique-carousel/
Visit the "Flower District."
Our Flower District is located in the center of the Cathedral's front lawn. In addition to excellent array of garden plants, you will find herbs, bonsai, orchids, floral arrangements and cut blooms. We will have a variety of interesting containers in which to display your plants. The talented and knowledgeable Cathedral horticulture staff will be on hand to answer your gardening questions.
Explore Our Booths
Purchase spring plants for your garden, find treasures in our White Elephant Tent, children's books in our Book Tent, and shop for a wide array of merchandise at over 65 boutique booths. Flower Mart is the perfect place to find gifts for Mothers Day, graduations, and something special just for you!
Map and listing of vendors and booths:
https://allhallows.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/FlowerMart/FM2023map-_brochure.pdf
International Floral Display
Since 2006, Washington Embassies and their floral designers will have installed gorgeous displays that highlight each country’s natural and cultural heritage in the nave of the National Cathedral. The floral display is open throughout Flower Mart. Bring your camera. Admission is FREE.
Read more about the Floral Displays here: https://allhallowsguild.org/programs/flower-mart/international-floral-display/
Free Entertainment
Throughout both days of Flower Mart, entertainers perform on the main stage in front of the Cathedral (or inside in the event of rain). We will present a wide-ranging array of talented singers, dancers, musicians, and choral groups.
Check the schedule of performances here: https://allhallowsguild.org/programs/flower-mart/fun-activities/
Puppet Show & Other Activities for Kids
In addition to our carousel, Flower Mart has an entire Children’s Area with a huge array of games and carnival rides. Tickets for the carousel, rides, and games, can be purchased at the ticket booth in the Children’s Area.
The Lewinsville Puppeteers are back at Flower Mart this year! They will be presenting "Happily Ever After" in the Cathedral's Bethlehem Chapel on both days of Flower Mart. Purchase tickets for the puppet show in the Children's Area.
Puppet Show Poster: https://allhallows.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/FlowerMart/FM2023PuppetShow.pdf
Cathedral Tower Climb
The Tower Climb returns to Flower Mart this year! Experience Washington DC like never before with a climb to the top of the Cathedral towers, where you’ll experience panoramic vistas from the highest geographical point in the nation’s capital.
Tower Climb tickets are $30 and will be sold at the Tower Climb Tent on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6. Tower Climbs will take place on Friday at 1:30pm & 4:30pm, and Saturday at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm. Tickets are limited.
Please note: Prepare for rigorous activity. The Tower Climb is not for those with a fear of heights or enclosed spaces, or for those with limited mobility – stairs include both enclosed stone staircases and also open metal, spiral stairs. Participants must be at least 11 years old, and the minimum height requirement is 48 inches. Infants cannot be carried on Tower Climbs.
Enjoy Great Food
Flower Mart has everything from barbecue and smoothies to funnel cakes, crepes and artisan pizza. Don't miss grabbing a lobster roll - a Flower Mart favorite!
Parking Information
During Flower Mart, there is no parking on the streets of the Cathedral; however there are a limited number of spaces in the Cathedral’s underground parking garage. On Friday, May 5 regular hourly garage rates will apply. On Saturday, May 6 there will be a $10 event parking fee upon entry to the garage (cash, credit or debit card). The parking garage will be open from 6 am until 11 pm both days.
Whatever else you do on this action-packed weekend, don't miss the Flower Mart this Friday or Saturday!
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The "Get Out!" event of the week is published on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Thursdays.
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