Gettysburg Festival

Face-to-Face with America's Most Beloved Presidents

Join Abe, George, Teddy and Thomas when The Presidents of Mount Rushmore takes the stage this June as part of the Gettysburg Festival, a 10-day festival from June 10 celebrating American arts, culture and cuisine.

The Presidents of Mount Rushmore, held Friday, June 17, at 8 p.m. at Gettysburg's historic Majestic Theater, brings together the top historical characters on one stage for a one-of-a-kind presentation and performance on the United States Constitution.

"Gettysburg is so often referred to as a town located at the crossroads of Civil War history; this June Gettysburg is also located at the crossroads of arts and culture," said Festival Executive Director Alice Estrada. "What better place than Gettysburg, an iconic place in American history, to feature all four of these celebrated presidents 'in person' and portrayed by the country's most esteemed talent?"

The audience will learn about the Constitution, the views held by these former presidents and the impact this historic document had on four of America's most revered presidents.

George Washington is portrayed by Dean Malissa, the official George Washington at Mount Vernon and the most sought-after portrayer of Washington on the country. Thomas Jefferson is presented by Bill Barker, who portrays the third president at Monticello, the Virginia home of Jefferson. 

Lincoln is portrayed by Jim Getty of Gettysburg. Known as "America's foremost Lincoln portrayer," Getty has been traveling the world presenting the 16th president to millions. Roosevelt is portrayed by Jim Foote, a New Yorker who's been presenting Roosevelt for more than 30 years and traveling thousands of miles around the country each year entertaining and teaching audiences, including the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site.

For more information about top events in Pennsylvania take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Pennsylvania.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the Gettysburg Festival website - www.gettysburgfestival.org. 

Two Gettysburg Events on Elite List

Two events in Historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, have been named to an elite list by a renowned organization for group travel.

Both the Eisenhower National Historic Site�s World War II Weekend and the annual commemoration of the Gettysburg Address made the American Bus Association�s list of Top 100 Events for 2010.

The World War II Weekend will be held Sept. 17-19, 2010 at the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg. The event features an authentic re-creation of Allied and German army camps, complete with World War II vehicles. More than 200 living historians take part in the annual event. A highlight of the weekend is the World War II style �USO� dance held on Saturday night.

Dedication Day is Gettysburg�s commemoration to the Gettysburg Address. The annual remembrance was designated by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. Every Nov. 19th, the town - and hundreds of visitors from around the country � attend a ceremony in the Soldiers� National Cemetery to honor President Abraham Lincoln�s short, but immortal speech.

The event includes a wreath-laying ceremony, keynote speech and recital of the Gettysburg Address. On the Saturday immediately following Dedication Day is Remembrance Day, which features a parade with more than 4,000 soldier and civilian re-enactors and illumination in the National Cemetery, where more than 3,500 candles mark the graves of Civil War soldiers.

For more information about top events in Pennsylvania, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Pennsylvania

For more information about Gettysburg visit the official Gettysburg web site at http://www.gettysburg.travel/