How to go
What: The Fair at New Boston
Where: George Rogers Clark Park, 936 S. Tecumseh Road, Springfield
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. next Saturday, Sept. 5, and next Sunday, Sept. 6
Admission: Adults $10; active military with ID $7; children ages 6-11 $3; and children ages 5-under free
More info: 937-882-9216 or www.fairatnewboston.org
For an event focused 220 years ago, there’s a lot new to explore at the 2015 Fair at New Boston.
This year’s fair will recreate life in 1795, when the Greenville Treaty was signed and hope for a peaceful settlement of the area was in the air.
The Fair at New Boston will be Sept. 5-6 at George Rogers Clark Park.
“Every year some things are added while other things have remained the same,” said Pam Cottrel, Fair at New Boston marketing director. “The Fair is never the same as before. It is constantly evolving and, we hope, always improving.”
New additions include:
Chief Black Hoof, the leader of the two Shawnee villages that were on this site, will join park namesake Gen. George Rogers Clark and Daniel Boone in the Fairmaster’s tent for first-person presentations.
The recreated Shawnee Village will reflect the growing population, and there will be more demonstrations. Cottrell said this is the largest and most accurate Woodland Indian village of this time period in Ohio.
A new midwife and her assistant will set up a practice in a tent next to the surgeon. It will reflect the clash between “modern science” and “midwife’s customs.”
“She Stoops to Conquer” by Oliver Goldsmith from 1773, will be this year’s open air play.
Other conveniences added from customer comments include the addition of an ATM near the entrance, as well as more seating and shade according to Cottrel. The upper floor of the Hertzler Barn will be open and hold displays.
Cottrel assured Fair fan favorites will return. These includes Silas Moore, the Ratcatcher; Doctor Balthesar; Hazel and her pony; Common Stock; and Fair Winds.
Attendees should prepare their ears and nerves as the full-size cannon will fire throughout the day. Re-enactments both days will capture the battles that led to the treaty.
The rowdy crew of the HMS Acosta will return with the British sailors increasing their efforts to impress, or kidnap, visitors and participants to serve in the Royal Navy.
Lady Caroline Linnington and her entourage from England will visit again in search of an American husband for her niece.
Visitors are encouraged to interact and talk to the costumed performers.
Cottrel said the number of artisans and craftsmen demonstrating their skills and merchants has been increased.
“We are always striving to provide excellent entertainment for children as well as adults,” Cottrel said. “Puppet shows, balladeers, children’s games, a slack rope walker, clowns and dancers are scattered all over the fairground.”
Even the food available will be the type enjoyed from 1790-1810.
The Fair at New Boston is presented by the nonprofit George Rogers Clark Heritage Association. Proceeds from the Fair support the group’s education efforts including the annual Education Day the day before the Fair opens.
Presale discount admission is available through Saturday, Aug. 29, at www.fairatnewboston.org or area Security National Bank branches. Tickets at the gate are cash only, no credit cards or checks are accepted.
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