The Wheeling Heritage Foundation invites the public to a unique community celebration, the Twelfth Night Costume Ball, set for Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Ballroom at Wheeling Park’s White Palace, 1801 National Road, Wheeling, W.Va.
Inspired by the Twelfth Night celebrations of the Medieval and Tudor periods, the event revives a tradition that marked the end of the Christmas season with dancing, feasting, and merriment. The theme is “Wheeling’s Heritage,” offering attendees the opportunity to celebrate the city’s rich history, with proceeds benefiting Wheeling Heritage’s revitalization efforts.
The evening will feature live music by The Mojo Kings, along with dinner, drinks, and dancing. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite local historical figure or in attire from a specific time period. While costumes add to the fun, they are not required.
“In 2019, the first Twelfth Night Ball was the kickoff event for the Wheeling 250-year celebration. It was a sold-out event that many folks have asked us to bring back,” said Jay Frey, chairman of the Wheeling Heritage Foundation. “This event is a great fit with our mission and promises to be a fun way to start the new year while raising funds for Wheeling Heritage.”
“I can’t think of a better way to have a good time and support the Wheeling Heritage Foundation,” adds Scott Schenerlein, executive director of Wheeling Heritage. “When you think about what your donations have done, a great example for this year is the oversight of the Wheeling Gateway Visitor and Heritage Center. The beautiful view you now enjoy was supported by your gifts. This is a great opportunity for you to help further revitalization in your community.”
Proceeds from the event will support the Wheeling Heritage Annual Appeal, which funds initiatives to preserve Wheeling’s history, promote its arts and culture, and support small business development.
By attending, you’ll contribute to efforts such as:
- Historic Preservation: Revitalizing properties and supporting restoration projects, including Mt. Wood Cemetery and the SMART Centre.
- Arts & Culture: Creating public art installations, hosting artist workshops, and showcasing exhibitions like the Wheeling Island Memorial Flood Wall.
- Small Business Development: Supporting entrepreneurs through programs like Show of Hands and CO.STARTERS.
- Grants & Investments: Advancing local initiatives such as West Liberty University’s 48-Hour Film Festival, Ohio County Schools’ History of Wheeling, the Warwood Farmers Market, and the Wheeling Gateway Visitors and Heritage Center.
Tickets for the Twelfth Night Costume Ball are available now. Sponsorship opportunities are also open for those who want to make a larger impact on the community.
For more information or to RSVP, visit https://wheelingnationalheritage-bloom.kindful.com/e/twelfth-night-costume-ball. To explore sponsorship opportunities, visit https://wheelingnationalheritage-bloom.kindful.com/e/twelfth-night-costume-ball-sponsorship. Contact Amy Karasch at Wheeling Heritage by email at akarrasch@wheelingheritage.org or by phone at (304) 232-3087.
Join us for a night of history and celebration that helps shape Wheeling’s future!
