In the Middle Ages, Europeans threw extravagant Carnivals in the days leading up to Lent. These were times of feasting and drinking and cavorting before dutiful Catholics gave up meat and other vices until Easter. Carnival celebrations were marked by flashy clothes, embellished masks, dances, concerts and other festivities. They continue in Europe today and also in various U.S. locations (think Mardi Gras in New Orleans). As of February, those places will include also Edenton. Join the Edenton Historical Commission for an Italian Carnival-style Masquerade Ball at the newly renovated Wessington House on February 16.
That evening from 7 to 10 p.m., a sophisticated yet playful and mysterious atmosphere will bring Wessington House to life. Each floor in the home cultivates the experience of an enchanting, Old World masquerade. Upon entering the home, visitors will be surrounded by food, drink and dancing. The hors d’oeuvres will be heavy, and the bar will be full. The Hurrah Players are coming from Norfolk to help create a performative, Venetian atmosphere. If you’re feeling lucky, head to the house’s ground floor. It will transform into a casino, so place your bets and test the Fates.
It’s a masquerade, after all, so you’ll obviously need a mask. If you don’t have one, no problem! A silent auction on the home’s third floor showcases ornate masks handcrafted by about 20 local artists. It’s a perfect chance to conceal your identity and acquire a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for your art collection.
The Masquerade Ball is more than an event – it will be both a ball and a performance. There’s a certain Phantom of the Opera theme to the evening. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the Phantom (if you can identify him through everyone’s masks!). Randal Keith is bringing his theater experience from Broadway, National Tours and the stages of Las Vegas to the ball, and he’ll make appearances as the Phantom throughout the evening. A local singer will be in attendance as well, playing the Christine role from the musical.
One of the most enticing aspects of the Masquerade Ball – aside from the fact that it will be a whirlwind of dramatic fun – is its venue. Wessington House is known as one of the state’s finest homes. After several years of major renovations, the circa 1850 home is on the market. The Masquerade Ball presents the opportunity to visit this historic treasure and experience it in an enchanting Carnival setting.
Photo: Built in 1850, Wessington is one of North Carolina's finest homes, courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty
A six-person subcommittee of the Edenton Historical Commission is responsible for organizing the Masquerade Ball. They began planning in early December, and the pieces quickly fell into place. They hope that this event, which is unlike any other in the region, and its distinguished venue will provide little Edenton with well-deserved exposure. They advertised the event in Our State magazine and local publications in addition to sending out 6,500 digital invitations. The 200 tickets available for the ball are going quickly, and Joy Harvill with the Edenton Historical Commission has no doubts that they’ll sell out well before the event.
The Masquerade Ball is simply one of the Edenton Historical Commission’s many efforts to preserve Edenton’s history and showcase the town’s past and present. If you’ve ever visited the Barker House or old jailhouse, ridden the Edenton Trolley or gleaned little-known pieces of information from the pedestals around downtown, you can thank the Edenton Historical Commission. This local nonprofit works to save local historic properties and educate visitors and residents about the town’s history and culture. They rely on events, such as the Masquerade Ball and the Christmas Candlelight Tour, as fundraisers for all the work they do. All proceeds from the Masquerade Ball will allow the commission to continue preserving and maintaining Edenton’s signature sense of timeless history.
If you want help save Edenton's history and attend a good, old-fashioned masquerade, get your tickets now. They’re available for purchase at the Barker House and on the Edenton Historical Commission’s website.
(NOTE: Attendees are asked to not wear shoes that could damage Wessington’s historic floors. Ladies, you know I love a good heel as much as the next gal, but leave them at home tonight – dancing’s easier in flats anyway.)
Photo: Edenton Historical Commission
About the Author Hannah Lee Leidy
Hannah Lee is a fiction and creative nonfiction writer living on the Outer Banks. She graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Traveling is her passion, but nowhere ever feels as much like home as the Outer Banks. When not planning her next trip or adventure, Hannah Lee loves aimless drives down the Beach Road, spending copious amounts of time in coffee shops and reading every short story collection she gets her hands on. 