The Marine Corps Historic Half welcomes runners from around the Commonwealth to a new spring event that has ignited the City of Fredericksburg’s enthusiasm for fitness. The 13.1 mile course includes performers and entertainers from areas in and around Fredericksburg representing eras past and present, to support the runners and engage thousands of spectators.
American Belles
The American Belles present an entertaining, high-energy performance featuring American standards and patriotic favorites, all sung in rich three-part harmony. Decked out in dazzling costumes, the “Belles” will perform the National Anthem and other favorites during the pre-game ceremony. The American Belles served as the USO Liberty Belles for USO World Headquarters from 2003 through 2006, performing at hundreds of military, veteran and civilian events.
University of Mary Washington Eagle Pipe Band
A traditional Scottish band and winner of the 2007 Richmond Highland Games and Celtic Festival, the Eagle Pipe Band is made up of UMW students and alumni who perform at a variety of local events. The band was founded in 1996 under the direction of Raymond Scott, Phd., University of Mary Washington professor of chemistry. The pipe band will perform during the opening pre-race ceremony. The pipe band’s musical repertoire includes original tunes traditional Celtic selections.
Fifes and Drum of Fredericksburg
The Fifes and Drum of Frederickburg is steeped in tradition. Fifes and Drum were an integral part of the 18
th Century military. Colonial Virginia trained its Fife and Drummers to work with soldiers in the field. The Fifes and Drum of Fredericksburg includes a half dozen interpreters of the American Revolution and Civil War periods, who carry on the heritage of their colonial brothers-in-arms. The Fifes and Drum will perform during the Ye Olde Pasta Party at the Expo & Conference Center on May 17 and at Mile 1 on race day.
CalypsoNuts
Looking for more than just music? The Calypso Nuts are here for your entertainment! More than just a steel drum act, the Calypso Nuts are known for everything from island ballads to dance music and anything in between. Enjoy the CalypsoNuts at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Parking lot, and at the Finish line throughout event morning.
Abigail Martino
A classical harpist, Abilgail Martino has been performing professionally for the past five years. She has performed at numerous events in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Indiana. She is a Fredericksburg, Va., native and attends Germanna Community College in Fredericksburg. Martino will perform classical music near the Canal on Riverside Drive the morning of the Historic Half.
Island Gerry
Gerry Maddox is a singer/guitarist and songwriter in the Fredericksburg/Stafford area. Performing with various bands for most of his career, Island Gerry became a solo performer in 2000. The music he plays is often described as “Island Rock” but consist of a variety of styles, Rock, Reggae, R&B and Country. Maddox will perform with the Parrot Heads on Caroline Street in historic downtown Fredericksburg on race morning.
Parrot Heads in Paradise
The Parrot Heads will sail into the Historic Half on their pirate float entertaining runners and spectators with music from the Caribbean. They will be located in historic downtown on Caroline Street on race day. As the local chapter of Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc., The Rappahannock Area Parrot Head Club is a nonprofit, volunteer organization who's mission is to conduct and participate in fundraising, service and environmental activities that benefit the local community.
Starfires Dance Team
Starfires Dance N’ Cheer Team will entertain with their high-spirited performances on Central Park Blvd., during the Marine Corps Historic Half. The Starfires are sponsored by the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Department and have been part of the local community for the past 43 years. They are a crowd-pleasing show group, with many awards and championships to their credit. The team ranges from elementary ages to college level performers.
Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society
The Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society was created to preserve the lives of 18th century citizens who thrived in the local area. The Society’s members research the customs, clothing, politics and pleasures of the colonial era. In addition to interpreting colonial citizens at historical sites in the area, they often entertain the public with colonial dancing. The Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society will perform Colonial Dancing at the Rising Sun Tavern on Caroline Street at Mile 7.
Cheer Dynasty
Cheer Dynasty is an All-Star Cheerleading Program that consists of more than 400 young athletes in Northern VA. Cheer Dynasty provides cheerleaders of all ages and skill levels, a reliable, high-quality environment to develop and hone their athletic skills.Cheer Dynasty athletes will show the runners their high-spirited enthusiasm along Mile 1 of the race course at Cowan Blvd. and Carl D. Silver Parkway.