In early 2020, Netflix had us all questioning exactly who killed Carol Baskin’s husband but in December they gifted us with a new conundrum…who exactly was Lady Whistledown? Released on Christmas Day of 2020, Shonda Rhymes’ new period show Bridgerton was a hit. The show is based on books by Julia Quinn and chronicles the lives of the eight Bridgerton Siblings. Rhymes managed to combine female perspective of Austen, the decadence of Gossip Girl, and the spice of say…Forty-Nine Shades of Grey (Never have I wanted to be a spoon so badly in my life).
Wearing ugly pajamas that were most likely covered in a combination of fur and whatever I ate for dinner, I thought to myself- why can’t I promenade in a ball gown? Why has a man never told me that he burns for me or offered to die in a duel? Why doesn’t anyone in Havre de Grace look like the Duke of Hastings?
I took my concerns and general feelings of malaise to a few of my girlfriends and discovered that they also felt the same way. While we were all grateful that we weren’t condemned to a life of breeding and never being allowed to own property like the women of the 18th Century England, sometimes a woman just needs to put on a ballgown and promenade.
Emboldened by the support, we started a Facebook Group to find other local women who felt the same- 347 of them to be exact- and the idea of bringing Bridgerton to Havre de Grace was born.
On May 2nd, 2021- The Havre de Grace Independence Commission, is making our dreams a reality. While the Duke of Hastings will most likely not be in attendance, we will have the opportunity to wear our finest ballgowns and promenade on the beautiful Havre de Grace Promenade!
The Bridgerton Inspired Tea and Promenade, which will take place from 12:00- 2:00 PM, is an immersive experience and costumes are highly encouraged. Upon arrival, guests will be provided with a dance card that will contain a series of activity stations for them to visit on the promenade. The stations are varied and will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the customs of the time period, pose with the Duke (a cut out unfortunately), and even have their own portrait done by a silhouette artist!
The entire circuit will take approximately 30-45 minutes and at the end, each guest will receive their own box with everything they need for a delicious afternoon tea in the park. Catered by Havre de Grace’s own Bella’s Tea room- each box will consist of a variety of tea sandwiches, pastries, scones, and of course- tea.
Like many non-profits, the Independence Commission was forced to cancel their fundraisers last year and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to capitalize on a cultural phenomenon and provide people with a safe opportunity to get together in a beautiful setting.
The organizers are especially grateful for all the support the community has shown. From the Fourniers donating a string quartet, Big House Signs creating and donating the cut out of Duke, to all of the people who have volunteered their time, and possibly dignity, by parading around town in 18th Century attire- this event would not be possible without them.
If you would like to attend this event, tickets are on sale until midnight on 4/28/2021. We highly recommend you do- after all…the social season is upon us.
Pssst….Don’t forget to check out our virtual Modiste if you need help finding a costume.
Ticket Link: