NEWFANE, Vt. – Step back in time at the Windham County History Fair and 250th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., on Newfane’s historic common. The fair celebrates Windham County’s rich history, and commemorates America’s 250th anniversary. Admission, events, and parking are all free.
Local museums, historical societies, heritage organizations, and artisans are gathering to showcase the stories, people, and local traditions of the region. Throughout the day, reenactors and skilled craftspeople will present live demonstrations of traditional trades and technologies, including musket firing, spy crafting, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, woodworking, bookbinding, beekeeping, and telegraph operating. Hands-on experiences will offer a glimpse into the life and livelihoods of the past, as visitors of all ages can try out old trades and handle old tools.
The fair kicks off at 10 a.m., with a parade led by the 1947 Vermont State Police cruiser. Following the parade, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Windham County Courthouse and a tour of the courthouse by Judge Michael Kainen.
Tours of the West River Railroad Museum (with a live telegraph-operating demonstration), the Windham County History Museum in the former county jail (with old jail cells still intact), and the old Newfane Cemetery will take place during the day.
Vermont trivia contests by the Vermont Historical Society happens at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., with gift certificate prizes to the winners from the Four Columns Inn. The Chester Bookworm will evaluate old books, and the Windham County Genealogy Interest Group will help people get started learning more about their family roots. An antique car show will be on display all day.
It will be a day of living history; interactive displays; local traditions; family activities; food by Vernon Creamie Food Truck; music by Bills Band, of Wardsboro; crafters; raffles; bargain tables; and much more.
See the Windham County Historical Society’s website, www.historicalsocietyofwindhamcouty.org, for the schedule of the day’s tours and demonstrations, as well as for the list of all historical societies, museums, artisans, and vendors exhibiting at the fair.
For more information, email info@historicalsocietyofwindhamcounty.org.