Those attending the annual Founders Day in Ocean Grove are invited to dress in Victorian costume.
A colorful and poplar tradition, Founders Day – a Victorian Celebration, hosted by the the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is scheduled for Sat., July 29 from 4 to 8 p.m.
The event celebrates Ocean Grove’s Victorian and Wesleyan-holiness heritage. Those attending are invited to dress up for the occasion in Victorian costumes.
Founders Day is scheduled to take place at the intersection of Central and Surf Avenues and Pilgrim Pathway, just one block from the Great Auditorium. Some events will also take place in Auditorium Square Park and Bishop Janes Tabernacle adjacent to the Great Auditorium. All events are free with activities for the whole family.
From 4 to 8 p.m. those attending are invited to stop by to get more information about history of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting, which was founded in 1869. On July 29, 154 years ago, a small group gathered to have their first prayer meeting lead by founder Rev. Dr. Elwood Stokes as they began to build a Christian summer community where “religion and recreation would go hand in hand.”
From 4 to 6:30 p.m. sample Victorian children’s games, arts and crafts, entertainment, and snacks. At 6:30 p.m. there will be an historical reenactment of the original prayer meeting at Mrs. Thornley’s tent.
Also, at 4:30 p.m. and again at 530 p.m. at the Bishop Janes Tabernacle, visitors are invited to enjoy the “Mr. Pennygaff Ol’ Time Variety Show” – a nod to Victoriana and vaudeville, with live performers, tricks, music, and more.
