A Night at the C&O Canal, Oct. 13


Residents and visitors will have a rare opportunity to view the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal by twilight this Saturday, Oct. 13. The canal is sponsoring its second annual Park After Dark fundraiser. With proceeds supporting the Canal Trust, the park’s official nonprofit, the event will allow visitors to spend a night in the park, which traditionally closes at dusk.

Last year’s benefit was a sold out success and brought 250 guests to the C&O Canal. Around $60,000 was raised to support programs at the park, including Canal Quarters and Canal Discoveries. This year’s benefit is shaping up to be another big event – attendance now allows for up to 300 guests. The event will feature stargazing, live music, chili and cornbread, beer and wine, live and silent auctions, campfires and a Civil War encampment.

The C&O Canal dates back to the 19th Century with a groundbreaking ceremony in 1828 by President John Quincy Adams signaling the start of construction. One of its primary purposes was to carry mail between the District of Columbia and West Virginia. The canal was taken over by the National Park Service in 1971 and receives more than 3 million recorded visitors per year.

Tickets to this year’s Park After Dark fundraiser are $150 each and must be purchased in advance; $115 of this price is tax deductible. Tickets can be bought online at www.canaltrust.org.

The event will take place at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, Md — 301-767-3714 — Oct. 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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