Springfield — A large annual festival that re-enacts early Ohio will be less than a two-hour’s drive away this weekend near Springfield. The “Fair at New Boston” is like the Ohio Renaissance Festival, but for 1790 to 1810 Ohio (and is more accurate, with no fantasy).
If you saw my article on the Sons of Liberty Muzzle Loading Club, this is another nearby way to delve into the re-enacting culture…or just visit it.
Since 1982, on Labor Day weekend, a field in a park west of Springfield becomes a large tent village full of authentic vendors and re-enactors. Both days include period shopping, dancing, food and drinks, livestock, demonstrations and stage acts, an American Indian village…and a small battle re-enactment including cannon.
It’s an inexpensive way to explore the culture, look for clothing and accoutrements, and be infotained. Learn about such curiosities as a filmless large-format camera, making fiddles, growing gourd containers, surveying, and rilfemaking.
Participants work hard to dress and act like they are in the time period or in the spirit of Adena Mansion, Mount Oval, Slate Run Living Historical Farm, and “Tecumseh!” (The organization even uses the Friday before as an educational day for local schools.)
From the Facebook page:
Experience America’s founding era at The Fair at New Boston!
Meet the heroes and pioneers of early Ohio (1790 to 1810). See the Opening Day Parade each day, the Mounted Rangers, artillery, and militia. Enjoy music and period entertainment, sample hearty foods of the past, and shop juried artisans and craftspeople. Explore the Native American Village and watch the battle unfold on the hill each afternoon.
There is so much to do and see you’ll need to come both days!.
The event is September 2nd and 3rd – Saturday from 10am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for ages 6 to 11.
The location is in George Rogers Clark Park at 936 South Tecumseh Road, near Springfield, Ohio – right at an offramp from US 40 / State Route 4. You can also take the Enon Road exit off I 70 and then turn east onto Lower Valley Pike. Find mapping in their Facebook event page.
Learn more on their main Facebook page, in their website, and by calling 937 / 882-9216.
