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Luray Caverns Corporation - Luray, VA

Luray Caverns will mark the anniversary of discovery 126 years ago with a series of special events on Saturday, August 14, at the world renowned attraction in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The celebrated anniversary will be commemorated with tours recreating the thrill of adventure from this bygone era as period-costumed guides tell of Luray Caverns' storied past in special candlelighted sections throughout the caverns.

The first Grand Illumination took place November 6, 1878, with The New York Herald reporting that a "thousand candles illuminated the ante-chambers making it nearly as bright as day." Tours will depart frequently from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Normal admission fees will apply. Additional outdoor events, for which there is no charge, will begin at 1 p.m. with a Celebratory 126 Balloon Launch. Live music to include jazz, pop, bluegrass and folk will follow throughout the afternoon until 5 p.m. The evening will feature a forty-five minute carillon recital performed by David Breneman at the adjacent Luray Singing Tower. Festivities will conclude with fireworks at dusk.

It was in August, 1878, 126 years ago this summer, that four Page County men were prospecting for a cave as a profit-making venture. These community-labeled "Phantom Chasers" serendipitously discovered what has developed into one of Virginia's biggest tourist destinations and an economic giant for the entire region.