The Narwhal Ball - In Rhyme

As we prepare for our event on Sunday, February 4 from 11-4pm, we welcome you to our enchanting annual event -- in rhyme.

The event title "Narwhal Ball" was first conceived by Anthony Sarchiapone, the museum's Board President. The idea grew from an original event idea for an adult crowd, and shaped over time into a wintry celebration for children, complete with crafts, ice cream and an appearance by Elsa -- and, hopefully, learning a thing or two about arctic whale species! We took inspiration from a previous frosty event the museum held at the height of the "Frozen" film craze. In 2023, our museum team was delighted to welcome 400 visitors at our new event and see such positive interest from the community.

This week, we have been spending our time suspending snowflakes with fishing line around the exhibits, moving tables, plugging in tinkly lights, hanging up streamers in the workshop, and getting ready for you to visit. In the meantime, Anthony thought he would share a poem he wrote that imagines a magical place where narwhals really do celebrate!

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​Let’s all go to the narwhal ball,
Where narwhals dance
In the narwhal hall.
Where snowy friends come together
And no one minds the frosty weather.

Invited here are bear and fox,
Walrus, seal, and the musky ox.
People too, from northern places,
Bring their music and smiling faces.

Moonlight makes the hall shine bright,
All are welcome this special night.

At 11am the dance takes place
And narwhals rush to fill their space.
Swimming in circles, a beautiful sight,
They raise up their tusks to the great winter night.

​They dive under water, without making a sound,
And waive with their tails to friends gathered ‘round.
They spout mist from their heads, and churn ice into cream,
From under the waves, they move in a dream.

Then the whales jump, each in a swirl,
“Narwhals, we love you!” shouts one little girl.

Always with music, they swim in a line.
Tapping their tusks to keep perfect time.
It’s only seen once, on these special nights:
Narwhals in color from the great northern lights.

With tails in the air, narwhals say, “Bye!”
And tears swim away from more than one eye.
Then ice cream is served after the show,
Churned by the whales from ice and from snow.
Guests at the hall, sit down to rest,
Each tells the other, “This ball was best!”

So, ask any seal or artic hare,
Any fox, ox, or polar bear.
People too from norther places
Will all agree with smiling faces:

​There is no ball like the narwhal ball,
Where narwhals dance
In the narwhal hall.
Where snowy friends come together
And no one minds the frosty weather.

By Anthony Sarchiapone

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