August 18th, 2024 Marks the 437th Birthday of Virginia Dare
August 16th and August 17th, 2024 The Lost Colony will celebrate Virginia Dare Nights
The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA)is proud to announce the annual Virginia Dare Nights on Friday August 16th and Saturday, August 17th, 2024. Virginia Dare Nights commemorate the 437th anniversary of the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World to colonist Eleanor Dare. The Lost Colony continues its long-celebrated tradition of using real babies during the August 16th and August 17th performances. Being a “Virginia Dare Baby” is a coveted role in the community that many local citizens have had the opportunity of being a part of. For Virginia Dare Nights only, the prop baby swaddled in blankets, is replaced with these special guests. Virginia Dare Nights are generously sponsored by First National Bank.
“My first experience with Baby Night was in 2022 and I admit my first thought was, ‘this is gonna be hokey.’ And then I saw it. There is something incredibly moving about seeing a real baby onstage. I can’t explain it. It’s my favorite night of the summer. If you haven’t been you really should. And remember locals get a discount.”-Chuck Still, Executive Director.
The 2024 Virginia Dare babies that will make their debut on Friday, August 16th and Saturday, August 17th are: Finn Grubbs-Newman (Parents Caitlin Grubbs & Darrell Newman), Kittie Elizabeth McKenny (Parents Joshua and Bethany McKenny), Shiloh Powell (Parents Whitney Holt & John Powell), Catelyn Kreiser (Parents Carime & Chris Kreiser), Magnolia Elizabeth Bridges (Parents Sara & Jordan Bridges), Indiana Aurora Foglia (Parents Jennifer & Robbie Foglia), Maverick Harrell (Parents Gretchen Montague), Carlton Rose (Parents Kelsey & Holt Rose).
On August 17th, 2024, there will be an awards ceremony starting at 8:20, which will begin with the presentation of the 2024 Virginia Dare babies and their families. The Lost Colony performance will begin shortly after the awards ceremony concludes.
