Grant Award Fuels Festival

Pictured: Bob Spear, Mary Helen Spear, and CTF Director Leah Shaffer

The Victorian Chautauqua received a grant award from the Community Trust Foundation and the Naylor Family Trust.

The Victorian Chautauqua was represented by Bob Spear, who submitted the grant application, and the Program Committee's Mary Helen Spear while accepting the award from CTF Director, Leah Shaffer. Serving Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties since 2010, CTF has provided over $6 million in scholarships and grants to non-profit organizations supporting education, culture, and wellness. The foundation works with donors and community groups to make effective grants to build better, stronger, and more vibrant communities in the region.

“We are so fortunate to have a CTF serving our area,” said Bob. “This funding puts a big dent in our budget and affords us the ability to continue hosting this fun and unique event.”

Thanks to generous donors like CTF, the Victorian Chautauqua offers free admission and parking, making the weekend festival accessible to everyone. Located in the county’s largest municipality, many Mountain Lake Park residents can also walk to the event. Food vendors offer various options, but picnic baskets are welcome for anyone on a tight budget. The festival grounds occupy Leo Martin Memorial Park, the Ticket Office Museum, the Thompson Rest Home for Deaconesses property, the original Assembly Hall property, Bethel Center, and the Kid-Tauqua corner lot. Under three large tent venues, live performances, music, and educational lectures fill the entire weekend. Activities like Model T car rides and a vintage car show will take place on Saturday, and horse-drawn carriage rides on Sunday. Trolley rides are continuous throughout the two-day festival. Meet high-wheelman Brian Birkner, who will demonstrate his early form of recreational transportation. Be amazed by contact juggler, Lars Matthew Rieck, and look up to see stilt walker Dakota Fox in her colorful costume. Commission a tintype photograph, or browse Artisan Row to find the perfect, handcrafted item for a gift or yourself.

Contributions fund the performances and cover infrastructure costs, including tent, table, and chair rentals, as well as promotional expenses and the annual update of printed materials. Entering its fifth year, the Victorian Chautauqua has become a popular summer event that rounds out many Fourth of July family celebrations. Find a full schedule online, including Kid-Tauqua and Vaudeville in the Street.

With a balanced budget each consecutive year, the planning committee diligently works to secure grant funding, sponsorships, and donations from individuals. When the festival began, a balanced budget was projected for five years. Achieving the goal from the onset has been encouraging and an indication of the festival’s success as a beloved summer festival in The Park.