TUSCUMBIA-Create holiday magic this Christmas by experiencing a Christmas Ball and celebrate bygone traditions from years past.
The Natchez Trace Parkway Association’s Ball of Christmas Past is 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday, December 12 at the beautifully decorated Winston Home in Tuscumbia.
The classic dress-up ball is a natural match for the historic home at Deshler High School in Historic Downtown Tuscumbia. This new event will enhance the holiday cheer of the It’s a Dickens Christmas Ya’ll festival, hosted annually by the Tuscumbia Retail Development, by extending the event through Saturday night and capturing the essence of the season.
Dance Master, Matthew Hawkins of Huntsville will be accompanied by the Renaissance City Recorder Consort from Florence. The trio is formed by Sue Roessel Dura, Charlotte Manis and MaryLynn Jackson.
Located in the center of the Deshler campus at 200 N. Commons St., the Winston Home is a Georgian-style dwelling, completed in 1833 and is now 
on the National Register of Historic Places. The largest remaining antebellum house in Tuscumbia, it features a winding staircase, and eight fireplaces. It’s earlier owner, William Winston (1789-1857) is the father of Alabama Gov. John Anthony Winston; grandfather of Maud Lindsey, famed educator and author of children’s books; father-in-law of Robert Burns Lindsay, the only foreign-born governor of Alabama.
The Ball is for newcomers, as well as experienced dancers. It will be a delightful evening of social English Country Dancing. Much of the evening’s dance will be taught during the event. Each dance will be preceded by a walk through and complete step demonstrations with the assistance of the caller. Dances will include the English version of the Virginia Reel, the Duke of Kent’s Waltz, and other easy dances interspersed with couples waltzing. Relive the era’s romance.
Costumes from the 1815-1850 era are requested and appreciated, but modern evening wear is perfectly acceptable. Ballet slippers, dance shoes, or low-heeled, smooth-soled shoes are recommended for ladies. Any leather soled shoe is great for gentlemen. Spending a fortune on a lovely costume is not necessary for enjoying the evening. With just a little inventiveness and creativity, guests will be able to dress in a way that captures the essence of the historical era, filled with beauty and elegance.
Enjoy an evening of entertain surrounded by candlelight, charming decor, and seasonal nibbling light refreshments straight out of the past will be served. Live greenery will adorn the staircase, and entrance while centerpieces of fruits and leaves will surround foods such as scones, nuts, cakes, cookies and finger sandwiches. Top off the evening with hot chocolate and wassail.
Plans are in the works to have a horse-drawn carriage deliver patrons to the Ball. Thomas Leonard, who provided the horse-drawn transportation during the Triumphant Return of Andrew Jackson, has been contacted. Attendees of the event will be picked up in the parking lot of Deshler High School and ride to the entrance of the Winston Home. There they will dismount the surrey, and make their grand entrance to the ball. This will be an optional service available for a small fee.
Proceeds raised from this Ball of Christmas Past will be earmarked for the Trail of Tears. Funds will be used for signage, designed by the National 
Park Service, to be located along the original removal route in Tuscumbia and Sheffield. Plans include educational panels in addition to the plaques, to be placed in high traffic areas to increase awareness of our area’s deep Native American roots. Several nearby cities already exhibit these signs. It is hoped this visible informational about the historic path will bring visitors to our area. With the bicentennial of our state and cities approaching, this events also prepares for the many planned bicentennial celebrations.
Tickets are $15 each or $25 per couple. Advance tickets are available now at OH! Bryan’s Downtown, 200 South Main Street, Tuscumbia. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door with a $5 surcharge , provided they are still available. Space is limited.
For information call Lisa Pace 256-366-6796 or Annie Perry 256 -415-0700
What better way to start the holiday than with an experience of Christmas Past. Come and join us! You will be most welcome. We are going to have a ball!
