Department of Conservation and Recreation

Media inquiries: Please contact Gary Waugh, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5045.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 26, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov

Tickets now on sale for First Landing re-enactment April 26

(Virginia Beach) — Tickets are available for the April 26 400th anniversary reenactment at First Landing State Park, where the Jamestown settlers first made landfall in the new world before sailing up river to settle Jamestown on May 12, 1607.

Reenactment performances will include replicas of the ships Discovery, Godspeed and Susan Constant, and a dramatic reenactment of the first landing. The 45 minute performances are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Activities also include exhibits and access to the replica Eastern Woodland and Chesapeake Indian community where Nansemond tribe members will give demonstrations.

Parking is $10 for each performance and admission tickets are $5 per person. The $10 parking fee includes a shuttle bus from Spring Branch Community Church. All first landing event visitors must use the shuttle bus system. Credit card sales can be made by calling 800-933-7275. Cash sales can be made at the park. Parking and event tickets are available in advance only.
On Friday, April 27, the park will host more than 2,000 local school children for a special performance of the historic re-enactment and opens to the public at 1 p.m.

The site’s role in the history of the nation is often overlooked. In 1607, the English settlers stayed four days at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. They erected a cross at their original landing site in honor of Prince Henry of Wales, the son of King James. They then departed for a journey up the James River and established a colony on Jamestown island.

For more information visit www.dcr.virginia.gov. The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

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