New Year’s Ball FAQ
Is there a dress code required in order to attend the ball?
Yes, you will need to follow the dress code to gain entry to the ball. Period dress or formal attire is required. If you have questions about what to wear, leave a comment below.
Can I get a refund for my tickets?
All purchases are non-refundable.
Does the purchase of a ball ticket include a day pass for the living history event?
No. You will purchase a ticket for the living history at the gate the day of the event.
Do I need to bring a ticket or a receipt with me?
Yes. Be sure to print your receipt after purchasing your tickets and bring it with you to the ball.
Is there a meal included with the purchase of my ball ticket?
We will serve finger foods and light refreshments, but this is not considered a meal.
Is the ball held indoors or outdoors?
This is an indoor ball to be held at the Sunshine Inn at Salmon Lake Park in Grapeland, Texas.
What about guests under the age of 18?
Guests under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. That adult will also need to purchase a ticket to the ball and follow the dress code.
See what others are saying…
Carrie…We have attended for the last 10 years and don’t ever want to miss it! It has been a time to teach my children proper etiquette in asking ladies to dance (started when my son was 5 years old)… my daughter behaves like a lady and accepts dance offers,… there are so many things to like about this! Friends to make for young and old alike. A wonderful family time!
Kayla…My two little girls and I have attended the Living History event the last two years and it is has become a highlight for us: we love dressing in historical, reproduction clothing which makes us feel like we are stepping back in time. The setting of this event being in the old timey town with vintage buildings is super cute, and lends to the nostalgia in a different way than other living history/reenactment events where the only structures are white canvas tents which participants and demonstrators bring to set up. There are both at this event! It is really interesting to see how different people in various times, location and occupation/season of life would have lived, dressed and gone about their days. I enjoy that at this event you can see those varieties and learn from those portraying them. The Ball is definitely the most talked about part of our memories and anticipation, but dance practice, sitting around a campfire or table visiting with new and old friends, playing games, sharing adventures and eating good food together are also part of this time! It is always great to share things we have learned along the way with others, both living history participants/demonstrators and those from the public who come to learn and experience history. We ALL end up learning something new, and deepening our appreciation for history. It is a lot of fun and I encourage anyone with a shred of interest in history to attend for yourself and enjoy this time with us!
Kayla’s 11 year old daughter….”I LOVED THE BALL!!!!!!! It was SO much fun!!!! Anna, my little sister, also really enjoyed it. The cabin we had was amazing! Funny how I stayed in the White Mule Saloon! 😀 I remember helping Mama get herself and Anna ready and I could barely wait to go outside and look around “town” as I called it. The “town” is super cute! I enjoyed the cooking demonstration and the blacksmith. I love the lake next to everything! It was nice that there was a dance practice in the afternoon and also during the Ball we were taught how to do each dance.🤍 Great event!!! I loved it!!!!!❤️😀⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
Kelsey…Last year was my group’s first year and we loved it! I particularly enjoyed the dance lessons! It was nice to have a fresh idea of how the dance went when we got to the ball, rather than trying to remember something I might have done three months ago.
Happi…Time has flown so quickly and its almost that time of year again. Last year was my third Pineywoods event. As always the loving camaraderie was like a big family reunion with new family always welcome. I rent one of the cabins every year and they are absolutely charming;if you are interested in a cabin book early. They go fast. The dinner and ball are wonderful fun with the old fashioned dances being called and dance lessons during the day for those (myself included) who are not so confident on the dance floor. Last year morning and afternoon meals could be purchased if you did not want to be bothered with cooking. For instance breakfast was breakfast burritos-and some other things I don’t remember. The servings were generous and tasty! I’ll post more details as I remember them. This year’s event promises to be great fun! Yall come!
LeAnn…Last year was my first Pineywoods. I thoroughly enjoyed the event which takes place at Salmon Lake. Transported back to the past in the old town area I visited with other Reenactors. My favorite part was the Ball, good food, new and old friends, and old fashioned dancing.
Kristi...Last year was our first time there. My son really enjoyed the demonstrations and the dance! It was great fun watching him learn the dances and then try them out later that day.