It is time once again for a night of delightfully enchanted period music and dance as the West Virginia Reenactors Association host their annual Civil War Spring Gala Ball March 10 at the Christ Episcopal Church in Clarksburg.  The Church was built in the mid-1850's, with the first service in 1854.  During the early part of the war, the church was commandeered by the Union army, then garrisoned in Clarksburg, to house a Federal Cavalry unit.  Stories passed down throughout the generations of Episcopalians in Clarksburg say that the church was used as a hospital during the war. The high ceilings, wood floors, and general ambience will lend itself perfectly to the period atmosphere. 
    WVRA members strive to provide a delightful, enjoyable, educational and elegant glimpse into the  magical moments of the Civil War Era.  Members will promise an evening as period as possible and will allow participants to step back in time.  Everyone attending will be dresses in authentic period clothing.  Ladies will glide across the floor in their favorite gowns and the gentlemen will greet them in their military uniforms or period civilian suits.  Please gentlemen NO Heel plates, they can damage the beautiful wooden floors. And for those of you that do not have that perfect gown yet, please do not fret.  Many of the ladies have extra dresses and would be glad to loan out a dress to encourage new prospects.
     Refreshments and decorations will again be provided by the Trans Allegheny Soldiers Aid Society of the WVRA.  They will provide period refreshments of cucumber sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, tomato sandwiches, nut rolls, ham salad sandwiches, fruit rolls, danish, turnovers, period cookies, period finger cakes, punch, coffee, tea, lemonade, and wassail. Anyone wishes to give assistance in providing the finger food or if you would want some recipes or ideas on what to bring please contact Tonya Daft via email at rebeld4h@mountain.net . 
     Sweethearts will glide across the glamorous wooden floors of the historical Church from the Civil War Era to the period melodies provided by the Rich Mountain String Band. The talented period musicians are Phyllis and Peter Baxter and Less and Mary Carahar. Mrs. Baxter will also provide instructions for all the authentic ballroom dances, so beginners are welcome. The evening dance should be the upmost treat for everyone from the accomplished dancers to the most determined chair-sitters. The dance program will provide many opportunities for dances that many have become familiar with including the prominent reels and circle dances.  Some mixers and novelty dances will also be included. Instructions for every dance will be demonstrated and will give ample opportunity for participation by all. Even those without a partner, some dances call for an uneven number of men and women.  The ladies will also be supplied with a dance card so the gentlemen can request that a special dance be saved for them.
     This glamorous aspect of the evening will commence at 7:00pm. Everyone of importance will definitely be there. Social time to visit with members and friends and catch up on the latest gossip throughout the evenings festivities will begin at 6:30pm. 
     Admission (Donation) to to help defray expences, is $5, payable at the door.  And though all ages are eligible to attend you must either be a member or be a guest of a member to attend. Anyone can join the WVRA and become a member.  For more information you can visit the web site at www.wvra.org or contact Tonya Daft at 825-6103 or email her at rebeld4h@mountain.net . The Church is located at 123 S. 6th Street Clarksburg. or directions.