Mount Vernon Re-creates Lively Marketplace
09-02-2009
Extraordinary Entertainers and Colonial Artisans at its 18th-Century Craft Fair
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Mount Vernon re-creates a lively early-American marketplace with demonstrations, crafts and entertainment at its 18th-Century Craft Fair on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over forty 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. Costumed interpreters will be demonstrating the 18th-century chocolate-making process using an authentic colonial recipe! Guests are invited to sample fresh chocolate made by hand on site. Chocolate bars, sticks, and spiced drink mix are sold at the 18th-Century Craft Fair and in The Shops at Mount Vernon. The event is included with regular admission: adults, $15; youth, 6-11 $7; 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.
General Washington will preside over a host of amusements including: Mr. Bayly, Conjuring and Entertainments; Signora Bella, Equilibrist; Otto the Sword Swallower; and more! Fair fare, ranging from turkey legs to ice cream, will be available from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant concession stands.
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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); Visit.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, $15.00; senior citizens, $14.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.
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