This Saturday, 9/12, for a few hours Richmonder’s will be taken back in time to the 1920’s at the fourth annual Great Gatsby picnic.
This Saturday, 9/12, for a few hours Richmonder’s will be taken back in time to the 1920’s at the fourth annual Great Gatsby picnic.
The Art Deco Society of Virginiaorganizes the event, hoping to bring Richmonders back to a vibrant and fun-loving time in American history.
Art Deco refers to the 1920s-era innovations in art, style, architecture and more.
The non-profit organization for which the movement is named after has shared, celebrated and preserved Art Deco history in the Commonwealth for nearly four years.
“Art Deco was an all-encompassing movement,” said Olivia Lloyd, founder and president of the Art Deco Society of Virginia. “Our mission has been to educate people on that and make people aware of that as it pertains to the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Lloyd started the non-profit organization after meeting others who shared her interest in Art Deco. Thinking of a fun way to bring the movement’s culture to the public, Lloyd and the society came up with what would become their first annual Great Gatsby picnic three years ago.
The original Gatsby Picnic exceeded their expectations, causing traffic jams as people made their way to Forest Hill Park.
The organization and event have continued to grow since then, with this year’s Gatsby Picnic including croquet and badminton tournaments, charleston dance lessons and contests, and vintage fashion and vendors. The picnic and all of the Art Deco events, most of which are free (after door price), are completely open to the public.
While folks are partaking in the festivities, they’ll be enjoying swing and jazz by DC’s Blue Crescent Syncopaters! Guests should know that there will be awards for best picnic display, best fashion ensemble and of course, the best Charleston dancer will be crowned.
The fun starts at 11am and goes until 4pm at the Wilton House Museum. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 or at the door for $20. As always, kids 12 and under are free. Members of the society can save $5 on admission. So bring a blanket, picnic lunch, and your best 20’s lawn party attire!
