We invite you to be comfortable and expressive in a festive way. Let’s call this “Party-Chic meets Artsy Festive.” To start, like a wedding, wearing all white is not expected at a Festa de Quinze Años. Likewise, we encourage you not to wear all black (symbolic of death and journey's endings). This article has some cool ideas on what to consider wearing to celebrate a Quinze. Follow this link for party chic meets artsy festive, or this cool link for more Festive advice.
The Heritage building floor is industrial tile that is used for everything from 4H galas to sheep shearing. Just know that it's hard on heels and you might want to opt for snazzy flats instead.
We suggest a comfortable, ready-to-party outfit! That means everything from your most colorful jumpsuit, cocktail dress, or semi-formal fit. Any length dress is welcome. Jackets and ties are optional. The twins suggest you find fun prints, vibrant colors, and/or interesting patterns to show your personal expression. Got a kilt you want to wear? Excellent! Is it hot pink? Even better! Have you been dying to find an event to wear that orange velvet jacket? This is it! Should you wear a tie? If you want to do so but that’s your call. Shiny and flashy will be most welcome.
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Scroll Down to see lodging options.
LOCATION & LODGING
The Heritage Building is located on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. We chose this location because the twins were raised in Gaithersburg, participate annually in the MoCo art competition, (they are seven-time first place winners for age and class), and have raised rabbits successfully through our MoCo 4H connections.
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The building is located at
16 Chestnut Street
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
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If you're coming from far away or just don't want to drive after enjoying the open bar, please consider these hotels that are very close to the
Montgomery County Fairgrounds:
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DoubleTree by Hilton Gaithersburg 0.8 mi
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TownePlace Suites by Marriot 1.0 mi
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Gaithersburg Marriot at the Washingtonian Center 4.3 mi
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Scroll down to see the menu.
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MAIN OPTIONS:
Beef
Picanha-style top sirloin coulotte
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Chicken
Rotisserie roasted chicken
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Lamb
Cordeiro Assado roasted lamb (prepared halal)
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Pork
Torresmo crispy marinated pork belly
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Seafood & Vegetarian
Lentils in Mild Curry
Mushroom Risotto
Shrimp (in rosemary and butter)
Smoked Salmon (shaves of dill and pepper variety)
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SALADS and SIDES
(all vegetarian unless indicated):
Asparagus
Beet Tartare
Broccoli
Carrot and Ginger Salad
Corn - Roasted Portuguese style
Feijoada Black Bean Stew (not vegetarian)
Quinoa Tabouleh
Roasted Romain (with topping choices)
Tri-bean salad
White rice
FRUIT:
Blueberries
Grapes (red & green)
Pineapple
Raspberries
Strawberries
9:30 SUPPER:
Charcuterie Meats & Cheeses
Ramen Station
Tamale Station (chicken, savory corn, sweet corn)
Yogurt & Granola Station
Fruit Station
SWEETS
Banana Bread
Chocolate & Vanilla Cake
Various Donuts
BEVERAGES
OPEN BAR: You must be 21+ with valid ID to drink alcoholic beverages
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Beer
Cider
Coffee
Hot Chocolate (hand-crafted at the hot chocolate bar)
Juice (Apple, Cranberry (sugar and zero sugar options), and Orange)
Soda (sugar and zero sugar options of coke products (BYO Pepsi products))
Spirits (bourbon, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey)
Wine (selected reds and whites)
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Signature non-alcoholic Mocktails
Signature alcoholic-based Cocktails
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04:30: Welcome to the festivities expertly coordinated by our parents and with the expert help of Etzy at Etzy's Creations and Events. You will be greeting with light refreshments and impeccable service by Niche Party Services.
05:00: The twins serve as ushers at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and will be presented as Quinze candidates to Father John and our parish community. We will begin with a commemoration of their presentation where they will be presented to you, our family and friends. We will ask you to accept them, going forth, as young adults.
05:30: Dinner catered by Fogo de Chao! Following the Quinze Presentation, the twins will host their first young adult dinner. Let them thank you for your support at the Quinze and throughout their lives with a feast. Eat, drink, and be merry! The cocktail and mocktail bars will be open as well as a specialty hot chocolate, cider, coffee, and tea station.
07:30: A traditional Quinze wines and dines her guests with hopes of catching a well-connected spouse followed by a showcase of many talents. We are taking a more modern approach and will simply enjoy showing you how their dedication to fencing, competitive swimming, field hockey, chess, and piano presentation have shaped them into who they are today. The girls will each play a piano composition to represent their talents.
08:00: After talent comes dancing. We start with the Quinze's first dance as a young adult with her parents. Then hit the dance floor with BBTP Collective's own Professor spinning hits for us.
08:45: It's time for the Quinzes to pay homage to their Afro-Portuguese roots with traditional and modern Danḉa Carimbó. Then we have a bit of a Brazilian Samba surprise. Get ready to feel like you're at Carnival.
09:30: All that dancing requires a second round of good eats. The twins will host a Supper followed by sweet treats to keep us fueled through the festivities. Traditionally the Quinze would send her suitors home with gifts to entice them into a match. We’ll pass on that and instead open the Quinze’s Merchandise Store to give thanks for you all who took the time to celebrate with us. Take home winter fleece blankets, hats, scarves, candles, luxury shower and bath gear, winter weather treats, and many more of the Quinze’s favorite things to enjoy.
11:45: Last call for liquor, wine, or beer at the open bar. The non-alcoholic stations will continue to serve until we end.
12:24 to 12:25 am on January 10, 2027: Let’s serenade and toast the twins as they turn 15. Sloane Avery at 12:24 and Harper Leigh at 12:25. Followed by the last dance and farewell.
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Scroll Down for Weather
WEATHER?
It will be warmer than we were here in Iceland.
With weeks before the event there is no reliable prediction of the weather. Here is information about the weather on January 9 for the past 6 years:
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2026: High 53, Low 39, light drizzle
2025: High 27, Low 19, partly cloudy
2024: High 43, Low 32, cloudy
2023: High 45, Low 36, cloudy
2022: High 37, Low 28, cloudy​
2021: High 40, Low 29, clear
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Scroll Down for a note about Security
WHY SHOULD I ALLOW MY TEEN TO ATTEND?
We assure you that we are doing everything possible to make this event safe, fun, and welcoming.
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Yes, there will be alcohol for adults. However, there is a separate cocktail, spirits, wine, and beer bar that will not have the mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Cup color and size differences will identify the type of drink.
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Montgomery County will provide 2, and possible 3, security professionals in the building during the event. Depending on our number of RSVPs. Montgomery County has a zero tolerance rule for drinking or substances. Additionally, the Heritage Building is a no smoking or vaping facility. No weapons are allowed on the fairgrounds.
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We have rented the entire building with two ballrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. Your teen will be chaperoned in a location that will only have our family and guests. They will be among friends and conscious adults including designated chaperone personnel.
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Lastly, you are invited as well. We welcome you to bring your boogie shoes and good cheer. Meet new friends, support the twins' village of friendship and joy, eat good food, and learn new things (like how to Samba!).
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Next Page: RSVP