FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2004

MOUNT VERNON, Va. - George Washington’s Mount Vernon becomes a colonial marketplace during the ninth annual 18th-Century Craft Fair on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Fair features artisans who sell handcrafted colonial-style crafts, 18th-century entertainment, fair-style food, and free sightseeing cruises compliments of Spirit Cruises and the Potomac Riverboat Company. Admission to the 18th-Century Craft Fair is included in regular Estate admission.

Working in tin, wood, metal, ceramics, pewter, paper and other media, the Fair’s juried artisans dress in period attire as they demonstrate their colonial-style trade. As visitors shop, artisans practice their craft and explain the historic processes used to make items similar to those George Washington purchased in the 18th century. Each artisan uses traditional methods, steering clear of present-day machinery, staples, glue, and other items commonly used in modern crafts.

“Adherence to the standards of 18th-century authenticity is one of the major requirements for the artisans and entertainers,” said Stephanie Brown, Mount Vernon’s Director of Marketing. “We have some of the most respected artists in the nation illustrating the history of American crafts by creating them right here for our visitors and reviving the lively entertainments of 18th-century markets through their interpretation and performances.”

Performers at Mount Vernon’s 18th-Century Craft Fair include colonial magicians, strolling minstrels and troubadours, an authentic puppet show, and street entertainers including jugglers, fire-eaters and sword swallowers. Visitors to the Fair will also meet 18th-century-style gunsmiths and candle makers. Fair fare, ranging from turkey legs to ice cream and pretzels, will be available from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant concession stands.

Markets such as Mount Vernon’s 18th-Century Fair were common in George Washington’s day and ranged in duration from a few days to several weeks. Community members attended fairs to exchange and barter goods as well as exchange gossip and enjoy various theatrical shows and musical performances. The earliest-known notation of a fair in the Mount Vernon area was in 1752, when the General Assembly passed an act for “erecting a town at Hunting Creek warehouse” in Fairfax County -- soon to be named Alexandria. The city’s local event was held twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, and lasted for two to three days. It is likely that the residents of Mount Vernon attended such an affair. In fact, Washington himself often attended other Alexandria events, such as assembly balls, dances, dinners, horse races, and fireworks.

The Mid-Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Early American Life magazine proudly support the 18th-Century Craft Fair at Mount Vernon. Events, programs, and activities are subject to change. Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, open to the public since 1860, communicates the character and leadership of Washington to millions of Americans each year through a variety of interpretive programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation. Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, founded in 1853, making it America’s oldest national preservation organization. Mount Vernon is located at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, just 16 miles from Washington, D.C.

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular Estate admission rates: adults, $11.00; senior citizens, $10.50; and children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $5. George Washington’s Gristmill admission rates, in addition to Estate admission: $4 for adults and $2 for children (6-11). Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon. Admission to the 18th-Century Fair is included in regular Estate admission.