The ball will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. The festivities will be held at the Historic Morning Star Lodge, located at 467 Main Street, Placerville.

This elegant evening serves as a dedicated fundraiser. All net proceeds will go directly toward the ongoing preservation and conservation of the historic IOOF Morning Star Lodge #20 building.

General Admission tickets are $125 ($115 for current EDCHS and IOOF members) and are available for purchase at edchs.org. Unless posted otherwise on the website, tickets will also be available at the door.

• No physical tickets are necessary! Entrance is strictly will-call. Simply provide the name under which your tickets were purchased at the door.

No physical tickets are necessary! Entrance to the ball is will-call. Simply provide the name under which your tickets were purchased at the door upon arrival, and you will be checked in.

Guests will be treated to an immersive Edwardian experience featuring fine hors d'oeuvres, gourmet desserts, and a selection of wine and champagne punch. The evening's entertainment includes a live band, a grand processional march, a traditional May Pole dance, and various period parlor games.

Confirmed ticket holders will receive an e-receipt and a 'Know Before You Go' email with all essential event details.

As this is a Grand Edwardian Ball, period-appropriate Edwardian or late-Victorian attire, or formal evening wear, is highly encouraged! If you do not have a period ball gown or Victorian suit, please do not stress. Simply wear your Sunday best—what's most important is that you are comfortable and ready to have a good time.

Absolutely! This is a rare opportunity to dance on the lodge's historic "floating" sprung dance floor—one of the last surviving floors of its kind in the state. Period dance instruction will be provided by expert instructors during the event, so dancers of all skill levels are welcome to join in the fun.

While you are entirely welcome to dance exclusively with your companion for the evening, Victorian and Edwardian social customs highly encouraged attendees to dance with multiple partners.

• Balls were high-stakes networking events, and dances were designed to rotate couples constantly to ensure mingling. In fact, dancing with only one person—especially a spouse—was considered incredibly rude or simply boring! It was standard etiquette to never dance more than two dances with the same person unless officially engaged.

• While there is no pressure to dance with others, we warmly encourage those who are open to it to experience the social joys of rotating partners, making new friends, and ensuring everyone has a wonderful time.

This ball offers a rare opportunity to dance on the lodge's historic "floating" sprung dance floor, installed in 1911. It is one of the last surviving floors of its kind in California and one of only a few dozen remaining of this age and style in the nation!

• A sprung floor is a specialized surface designed to absorb shock and provide a softer feel. They return energy to help lift your feet as you move, while safely absorbing the energy from impacts. Historic traditional floors, like ours, provide their characteristic spring through the use of bending, woven wooden battens (and sometimes even actual coil or leaf springs).

Yes!

• Third-Floor Dining Room: Hearty gourmet hors d'oeuvres and desserts provided by Diane Wilkinson Catering will be available throughout the evening, alongside champagne punch, wine, and non-alcoholic punch.

• The Red Garter Room: Located directly across from the ballroom, this room will serve water, coffee, and tea anytime you need a refreshment or a place to rest.

• Ballroom Rules: To protect the historic sprung dance floor, absolutely no food or beverage will be permitted inside the ballroom during the event.

• 5:30 PM: Guest arrival and check-in.

• 6:00 PM: Period dance instruction begins on the ballroom floor. Historical dance experts Cassiane and Christopher Mobley will teach simple quadrilles, the polka, a waltz, and the two-step. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome!

• 6:45 PM - 7:00 PM: The Mobleys will lead guests in a Grand Processional march and a traditional May Day dance around the May Pole.

• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Live music by the brass band "Brassworks" for your dancing enjoyment. Period-appropriate parlor games will also be available throughout the evening.

Parking: Parking is available along Main Street, adjacent to the lodge, and at the County Court House (City Hall Lot). You may also use the adjacent city lots on Main Street, including the Ivy House and Mooney lots. Additional parking information may be found HERE.

Entrance: When you arrive at the front Main Street entrance, look for the velvet ropes on brass posts marking the doors. The lovely El Dorado Roses, decked out in period ball gowns, will be there to welcome you and usher you up the grand staircase to the ballroom.

Yes. Due to the service of alcohol, this is an adults-only event. All guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Please note that the Morning Star Lodge is a 110+ year-old building. The ballroom is located on the second floor and is only accessible via stairs. However, a chair lift is available if needed to transport guests with limited mobility to and from the third-floor dining area.

Because this elegant evening serves as a dedicated fundraiser with all net proceeds going directly toward the ongoing preservation and conservation of the historic IOOF Morning Star Lodge, all ticket sales are final and no refunds will be issued. We deeply appreciate your contribution to preserving our community's rich history!