Kid-Tauqua Receives Full Funding
Photo: On the steps of The Thompson Rest Home for Deaconesses is Mayor Don Sincell, Kid-Tauqua Director Suzie Sincell, Samantha Funding the Arts’ June and Charlie McClosky, and Victorian Chautauqua Creative Director Mark Stutzman. Photo by Laura Stutzman
The Kid-Tauqua programming makes for a wild weekend for the little ones on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, with activities, live performances, and workshops tailored especially for them.
For the forth consecutive year, Samantha Funding The Arts has graciously funded the entire 2025 children's program at the Victorian Chautauqua. The funding nonprofit is led by June and Charlie McClosky in memory of their daughter Samantha, who was passionate about the arts. Over time, countless arts programs for children in the community and beyond have been made possible through the organization's philanthropic work. The couple handed over a check to the Kid-Tauqua program director Suzie Sincell, who organizes the events, volunteers, and setup for the children’s portion of the Victorian Chautauqua festival. Sincell was joined in the happy occasion by her husband and Mayor of Mountain Lake Park, Don Sincell, and Victorian Chautauqua Creative Director, Mark Stutzman.
Samantha Funding the Arts’ financial backbone is bolstered by the annual WGW charity Youth Golf Tournament which also supports Landon’s Library and the Andrew S. Woods Scholarship Fund. A collective 2025 funding goal of $200 thousand dollars from the tournament will dispersed through the three nonprofit and benefit the youth of Garrett County.
"The Kid-Tauquau program falls squarely into the misison of Samantha Funding the Arts," said Suzie Sincell who chairs the children's programming and activities. "Kid-Tauqua has become a feature of the celebratory weekend for kids and families, and everything is free, thanks to Samantha Funding The Arts."
The family-friendly Victorian Chautauqua weekend will occupy children with tie-dying, make ‘n’ take, face-painting, and live musical performances. Workshops will teach the basics of playing the guitar with instructor and classical guitarist Mark Edwards, as well as puppet-making with Jo Ann Dadisman. A special robotics presentation will be led by Chuck Trautwein, the director of the GaCo (Garrett Coalition) Robotics Team. Children can also head over to the Splash Pad at Leo Martin Memorial Park to take in some water play. While there, they can be creative by decorating the sidewalks with chalk art.
Beyond the designated Kid-Tauqua programs, families will enjoy seeing the Model T and vintage car showcases on Saturday with authentic vehicles from the early 1900s. Some Model T drivers will be offering old-fashioned joy rides. A fun tour of Historic Mountain Lake Park on the Town Trolley is a great way to take a relaxing break while learning about what life was like before the automobile, electricity, and indoor plumbing. Kids will also enjoy seeing a high-wheel rider on an early style of bicycle once used for transportation, recreation, and sport. Look up to see the glamorous stilt walker, or ask the contact juggler questions about how he does it.
On Sunday, free horse-drawn carriage rides will depart on G Street. Experience traveling through Mountain Lake Park just like the first residents and visitors did before the automobile. There are also delectable treats and unforgettable hand-pressed lemonade. Families are welcome to bring a picnic basket and dine on the lawn or in Leo Martin Memorial Park. Children's activities, admission, and parking are all free.
Set up as an interactive experience, children can meet and greet performers, ask questions, and often join in. From songs to tall tales, youngsters will be left with lasting memories of the Victorian Chautauqua.
Musical performances include Pop Hits From The Past with Sally Stephenson. A special workshop will be led by award-winning classical guitarist, Mark Edwards. He’ll supply practice guitars to children interested in learning the basics of playing a string instrument. David Moran will be sending kids on a treasure hunt, and Dr. Jennifer Virts will be hosting Theatre Games, including dressing up in fun costumes. Other programs include Puppets Making with Jo Ann Dadisman. Chuck Trautwein will return with Garrett County’s award-winning FIRST robotics team and will wow youngsters with a demonstration.
Some adult programs at Vaudeville In The Street will also capture the imaginations of younger children. Arco & Aire will present lively tango music.Get ready for wild and wacky period music from Matt’s Blues, and The Victory Circus will present a variety show with a trio of of performative arts, including fire, flow, acrobatics, and an aerialist. Head up to Bethel Center on Saturday to see Maryland’s dynamic Poet Laureate, Lady Brion and hear stories from Diane Macklin about Garrett County’s African American community at the turn of the last century.
Historical performances will keep the attention of young, developing minds. Theatrical presentations of influential figures from the past are a perfect way to learn without it feeling like school. The whole family can leave with plenty to talk about and a yearning to return the next year.
Families will also enjoy visiting the Historic Ticket Office and Museum, which was once a companion building to the 5,000-seat open-air Bashford Amphitheater. Travel through time by looking at Victorian photographs, postcards, and artifacts. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about life at the turn of the last century.
Jo Ann Daddisman engages children with puppets and storytelling.
The Splash Pad is more than water play. Look for sidewalk chalk art, too!
Classical guitarists will lead a workshop on learning to play the guitar.
Samantha Funding The Arts joins other sponsors who financially support the festival as a free weekend experience. A full list is on the website's home page. A growing number of sponsors recognize the event’s incredible experience that celebrates Mountain Lake Park, which was founded as a cultural breeding ground with deep roots in education.
Tie-dye to die for.
