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East Berlin, Pa Presents the 32nd Colonial Day

Experience one of the Oldest Folk Festivals in the Region!

(8/24) One of the oldest folk festivals in the region will bring thousands of visitors to East Berlin, PA, on Saturday, September 9, for the East Berlin Historical Preservation Society’s Colonial Day. Juried vendors will line the National Historic District on West King Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering their traditional wares in an 18th century setting. Great food, free entertainment, demonstrations and people in colonial dress provide something for everyone in the family. Admission to this event is free and paid parking is available. Rain or shine. No pets. For more information call 717-259-0822.

Since 1975, the Historical Society has sponsored this event to showcase and support craftspeople who work "in the olde way". Visitors can shop more than 100 booths on the main street to find that special item, handmade by the vendors. Choices include hand loomed textiles, rag and hooked rugs and a variety of pottery and metalwork including tin, iron and copper. Furniture, painted and inlaid boxes, floor cloths, chalk-ware, carved and painted birds, gameboards, dried flowers in the colonial style, hand-woven baskets and much more draw customers to their favorite vendors year after year. Demonstrators will show the skills involved in paper making, weaving, broom making, basket weaving, blacksmithing, rug hooking, candle dipping, quilting and more.

Outfitted in white wigs, tricorn hats and red greatcoats, the United States Army’s Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will parade in the exhibit area, demonstrating the same drills and patriotic music displayed at every Inaugural Parade since 1961. Performances include authentic 18th and 19th century music and incredible solos performed on handmade drums, fifes and bugles. The Muskets of the Crown, an 18th century French and Indian War period reenactment group, will be encamped on the grounds of the Society’s 1830’s log cabin. Music throughout the day will be provided by Tom Jolin and Catherine Roth of the group Orrtanna on the auto harp, guitar and dulcimer. Also performing will be Linda Huber and others.

Food is a big part of Colonial Day and delicious choices will be found in the food court…pig roast sandwiches, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, kettle corn, fries, root beer in old fashion bottles and more. Volunteers will once again be ready with the famous funnel cakes made from scratch in huge quantities and fried individually in cast iron pans.

For many years, Society volunteers headed by Doris Leas have worked through the winter to hand-stitch a special quilt which is raffled off on Colonial Day. This year’s pattern is a Bear Paw in red, green and mustard with a vintage print backing. Be sure to stop by the quilt demonstration booth and see volunteers finishing next year’s project.

Funds raised are used by the non-profit Preservation Society to maintain five early buildings in town including Swigart’s Mill (1794), the log house (1832), the log Church Schoolhouse (18th century), Liberty No. 1 Fire Hall (1892) and Red Men’s Hall, which houses the Society headquarters and museum. The Society’s education program uses the buildings to teach groups of children about early ways of life including weaving and spinning, hearth cooking, and a typical school day.

Admission to this event is free and paid parking is available. Rain or shine. No pets. Information: 717-259-0822.

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