The popular 18th Century Market Fair at Johnson Hall State Historic Site is this Saturday and Sunday, July 14th and 15th, from 10am to 5pm each day. To be held rain or shine, the event is co-sponsored by the State Historic Site and the Friends of Johnson Hall.
While admission is free, donations will be accepted at the entrance gate to help support the Market Fair. A shuttle bus will be available to transport Fair-goers from the Johnstown High School parking lot off Pearl Street. There is no parking on the Site during this event, and access to Hall Avenue will be restricted to residents with permits.
Among the highlights of the 2-day event are live 18th century period performances by “Otto the Sword Swallower” on both days, and magician “Mr. Bayly” on Saturday only. The live performance schedule will be posted each day of the event. Also featured on both days will be a traditional 18th century Cricket match.
Throughout both days sutlers (vendors) will offer their wares for sale, while an encampment will interpret life in the military during the colonial period. Demonstrations of daily life will add to the event, including colonial toys and games and cooking. Free self-guided tours of historic Johnson Hall will also be available.
A colonial dance, featuring period music performed by Liaisons Plaisantes, will highlight Saturday evening’s activities.
Market Fair is a recreation of an event first hosted by Sir William Johnson in 1772. Johnson, who created his English Georgian estate in 1763, was the largest single landowner and most influential individual in the colonial Mohawk Valley. His success in dealing with the Six Nations had a lasting impact on their relationship with the English, and largely influenced England’s victory in the Anglo-French struggle for control of colonial North America. Today, the main house and flanking stonehouses, originally surrounded by a 700 acre farm, interpret Sir William and Molly Brant’s family life through guided tours of the period room settings, educational programs and special events.
For more information call 762 – 8712 or visit Facebook or www.friendsofjohnsonhall.org, or write darlene.rogers@oprhp.state.ny.us to be placed on the Site’s emailing list.
For more Fulton County events: https://www.44lakes.com/calendar