From left: Sabrina Moore of Clifton and her sister Tamara Moore of Greer, S.C., melt buckets of beeswax and beef tallow for their candle making demonstration in the annual autumn market fair at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm, where they help their mother run the chandler booth. It is one of several activities for visitors of all ages Oct. 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 6310 Georgetown Pike in McLean. Photo by Marti Moore/The Connection
“If you leave the wick in the hot wax for too long or dip too often without giving it enough time to cool, the wax will melt off the wick and back into the bucket,” living history interpreter Tamara Moore explains to her budding candlestick makers each year at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm in McLean. Visitors to the open-air chandler shop can purchase a wick for a dollar, dip it quickly into a bucket of wax, patiently watch it cool then repeat the process as they build a candle.
It is one of many hands-on activities people of all ages can experience on a colorful fall weekend during the autumn market fair Oct. 21 and 22 between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 6310 Georgetown Pike.
Put on your trail shoes and walk along a dirt path into the Langley woods by Turkey Run stream to see what life is like for local tenant farmers in 1771 – “A time when citizens can buy and sell, eat and drink, play games and musick, attend their militia, exchange gossip and news of the day and put aside the routine chores and cares of life,” states a red historic marker that beckons curiosity seekers into the past. Watch a blacksmith bend metal and make farm tools, or enjoy a show at the puppet theater.
Admission Saturday and Sunday is $4 for children ages 3-12, and seniors 65 and older. Adults pay $8.
Food and beverage vendors will sell chicken sausage, lemon chess pie and root beer. There will also be an on-site tavern. Bring your own hand wipes because they weren’t available back in the 18th century. Also, Colonial Period merchants are present and ready to help with your holiday gift needs.
Call the Claude Moore Colonial Farm at 703-442-7557 or visit their website at www.1771.org.