Governor and Mrs. McDonnell Host Executive Mansion Bicentennial Gala

PHOTO: Willard Scott speaks after receiving the "Icon of the Old Dominion" award

RICHMOND - Last night, Virginia's Executive Mansion, the oldest occupied Governor's residence in the United States, kicked off its 200th birthday celebration with a Bicentennial Eve Gala. Stepping back to 1813, guests were escorted to the mansion on horse and carriage, walked up the Mansion steps listening to Colonial Williamsburg's Fife and Drum Band, and greeted by historical interpreters dressed as they were in 1813. Beautiful music played by Strolling Balladeers accompanied the gala, as did the beautiful center piece of the night - an ice sculpture of the bicentennial logo donated by Sparky's Ice.

Joining the Governor and First Lady yesterday evening included the sponsors of the bicentennial celebration and Executive Mansion Book, which will be released at a public book launch on October 11. David Baldacci, and his wife Michelle, and Willard Scott were also in attendance to accept the Governor and First Lady's first Icon of the Old Dominion award. The two recipients of the Icon of the Old Dominion award were selected on the basis of being people who tell the ongoing story of what the Commonwealth's history, present and future. As such, we celebrated the upcoming bicentennial by also recognizing two distinguished Virginians who have told the story of the state and its founding principles across the nation and the world.

The evening was concluded with a firework display in front of the Mansion, was donated by Dominion Fireworks. The Bicentennial Eve Gala was fully funded by the generosity of private sponsors.

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