TAKING A STEP BACK IN TIME AT THE HERITAGE BALL

Celebrating 200 years at Worthington’s Bicentennial Costume Ball 

Hundreds of people in 1800’s period gowns, bonnets, knickers and buckle shoes kicked up their heels in celebration of Worthington’s 200th birthday at the Bicentennial Heritage Ball, Saturday February 22nd at the Worthington Community Center. The two gymnasiums in the new Community Center were transformed with decorations of chandeliers, drapes and candelabras to create a festive atmosphere for the party of the century.	To all who attended, the grand, formal affair was an event to remember for years to come. Prior to the big dance, guests were busy scouring thrift stores, sewing costumes or renting costumes to represent Worthington’s early years. Although many people did come in period costume, some chose formal black-tie attire instead. The Heritage Ball not only featured costumes of the period, but also food and dancing just as Worthington’s founders would have experienced 200 years ago.
	Served in an elegant fashion, the menu for the evening included roasted quail, old world homemade breads, hand-churned butter, butternut squash soup and an apple tart. The caterer, Shane’s Gourmet Market, researched the food of the early 1800’s and designed the menu to be reminiscent of food Worthington’s settlers would have prepared for their feast.
Musical groups entertained the crowd throughout the evening. A highlight included the singing of the Official Worthington Bicentennial songs, “The Bells of Worthington” and “On the Village Green” by inspirational speaker/songwriter and Worthington-native Eric Gnezda, accompanied by violinist Arkadiy Gips and the Bicentennial Singers.
	The dancing portion of the evening began with a Grand March, led by Dance Master Barry Jolliffe. Jolliffe led the crowd in the long, twisting line dance throughout the entire gymnasium. Other dances authentic to the early 1800’s followed, including square and contra dancing, the Waltz and the Polka.  Musical entertainment took place throughout the evening.

The Heritage Ball was organized by the Worthington Educational Foundation, in partnership with the Worthington Bicentennial Committee.  The ball will continue after 2003 as an annual fundraising event for the Worthington Educational Foundation. The Heritage Ball is one of a series of extraordinary Signature Events celebrating Worthington’s Bicentennial.