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.