FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2008
CONTACTS: Cindi Mason, International Mother’s Day Shrine, 304-265-1589
Marcia Slaven, Centennial Planning Committee, 304-265-0019
Tricia Sizemore, Dept. of Commerce, Communications, 304-558-2003,
ext.319
Events scheduled to commemorate 100th
anniversary of Mother’s Day
CHARLESTON, W.Va.
– In 1908, West Virginia became home to the
first official Mother’s Day observation when Anna Marie Jarvis, a native of Grafton, W.Va.,
initiated the celebration honoring moms. As the 100th anniversary of
Mother’s Day approaches, visitors are invited to see where it all started and
participate in statewide events scheduled
throughout the year to honor the occasion. Events to celebrate the centennial
year include the Mother’s Day Concert Series with performances in Wheeling, Charleston
and Grafton, a Founders Festival and the 100th observance of
Mother’s Day on May 11.
“As we mark the 100th
anniversary of Mother’s Day, we pay tribute to the important roles mothers play
in our homes, communities and civic organizations,” said honorary spokesperson
and First Lady Gayle Manchin. “They provide understanding, unconditional love
and endless inspiration.”
The Mother’s
Day Concert Series performances are scheduled at Independence Hall in Wheeling
on April 12 at 2 p.m., the Cultural Center in Charleston on April 20 at 1 p.m.,
and the International Mother’s Day Shrine in Grafton at 7:30 p.m. on May 2. The
events include a portrayal of founder
Anna Marie Jarvis by Cathy Pleska of Scott Depot and music by the Appalachian
Children’s Choir, directed by Selina Midkiff, and music by operatic tenor Randall
Reid-Smith.
A Mother’s
Day Founders Festival will take place May 10 and 11 at the Anna Jarvis
Birthplace Museum
in Webster. Events will start at 2 p.m. and include music; a portrayal of Ann
Reeves Jarvis, the mother of Anna Jarvis and the inspiration for Mother’s Day, by
Patty Cooper of Parkersburg; crafters; and the Anna Jarvis
Birthplace Museum’s
Mother of the Year award recognition.
A 100th annual observance
of Mothers Day will take place on May 11 starting at 9 a.m. at the
International Mother’s Day Shrine. The
morning observance includes presentations in recognition of mothers. The
evening concert consists of music by Mountain Stage.
For more information
about the Founders Festival, please call 304-265-5549 or visit www.annajarvishouse.com. For a list
of Mother’s Day commemorative events
or more information about the concert series and 100th annual
observance, please contact Marcia Slaven at 304-265-0019 or visit www.mothersdayshrine.com or
www.wvtourism.com.
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