Step into a Norman Rockwell painting on Aug. 20 as Historic Vienna, Inc. hosts a country fair with a myriad of activities, at no charge, for families. The debut “Vienna’s Country Fair” takes over the Freeman House end of the Vienna Town Green from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. HVI refers to the fair as a “return to a simpler time.”
“This is perfect for families,” said HVI president Anne Stuntz. “It’s a fun and engaging way to teach children about country life and the Americana of decades-ago.”
For children, there are diverse activities, from a petting zoo of approximately 15 farm animals, to household “chores” such as butter churning, ice cream-making, and washing cloths the old-fashioned way. There will be a tractor and props for photo ops, reenactors bringing the period to life, and a returning highlight from last year --- the second annual bike parade and decorated bike contest. Children adorn their bikes at home, but, for kids who bring undecorated bikes to the parade, there will be on-hand accoutrements for decorating. The bike parade around the Town Green begins at 3 p.m.
Adding to the old-time craft activities is a Tom Sawyer-like fence white-washing, lasso practice, and pre-computer children’s games. American Legion Post 180 will sell fair-food, such as hamburgers, and, in a nod to modern times, a sno-cone truck will be on hand. Maple Avenue Market plans on having a booth selling its local produce. At the Little Library on the Town Green, a school marm will oversee her “charges” in the original Vienna library transplanted to the Town Green.
Local garden clubs participate in a plant competition, and reenactors will give history “talks.” All afternoon, HVI has live bluegrass music.
“We wanted to connect our [current] agricultural exhibit to community events focusing on agriculture in the Vienna area, things like gardening, fairs,” said Stuntz.
“It’s a celebration of Vienna’s roots,” Stuntz said.