For Immediate Release
July 17, 2006
Digital images available
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Mount Vernon celebrates the eleventh anniversary of its 18th-Century Craft Fair on Saturday, September 16, and Sunday, September 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fair is a re-creation of a lively early American marketplace. Dozens of juried artisans from across the nation will demonstrate their trades and sell their wares while two stages of family entertainment delight audiences with 18th-century amusements. Free Potomac River sightseeing cruises are available while supplies last. Mount Vernon’s 18th-Century Craft Fair was recognized by the American Bus Association as one of the top 100 events in North America in 2005. The event is included with regular admission: adults, $13; children, 6-11 $6; children 5 and under, free.
Mount Vernon’s 18th-Century Craft Fair is the most authentic and diverse event of its kind, bringing together distinguished artisans working in colonial attire and a dozen entertainers who re-create the amusements loved by early Americans. As visitors shop, artisans demonstrate their crafts and explain the historic trades used to make items similar to those George Washington purchased in the 18th century.
George and Martha Washington will preside over a host of amusements including: The James Rose Puppets; Mr. Bayly, Conjuring and Entertainments; Signora Bella, Equilibrist; Otto the Sword Swollower; Ship’s Company Chanteymen; and more! Visitors can participate in sword play, drum lessons, open-hearth cooking, and other 18th-century hands-on activities. Guided walking tours and Potomac River sightseeing cruises are free (while supplies last)! Fair fare, ranging from turkey legs to ice cream and pretzels, will be available from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant concession stands.
Early American marketplaces were common in George Washington’s day and ranged in duration from a few days to several weeks. Citizens attended fairs to exchange and barter goods as well as exchange gossip and enjoy theatrical shows and musical performances. The earliest-known fair in the Mount Vernon area was in 1752 in a town that would become known as Alexandria.
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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change. Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital. 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 admission rates: adults, $13.00; senior citizens, $12.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $6.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.
