Lafayette Banquet, Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. This ticketed event will echo the banquet at which Lafayette was entertained on February 25, 1825. The evening will be portrayed as if it is 1825. During the reception, the Mayor’s Proclamation of Lafayette Days will be read, Lafayette (Mark Schneider) will be welcomed, and he will give an appropriate response. Once the guests are seated in the ballroom, the dinner will begin with the 13 original toasts given to Lafayette 200 years ago. During dinner, guests will be entertained with period music. After dinner, local historian and AFL Vice President, Robert Kelly, will address Lafayette’s role in the American Revolution, the significance of the Farewell Tour, where Lafayette has visited since arriving in the United States in August 1824, and where he is going after he leaves Suffolk. Lafayette will provide an appropriate response. Guests will be encouraged to wear timeline attire (1777 – 1825).