In spite of what some of you think, putting on the Fair is not easy. The logistics and constructing the taverns, coffee house, and Cheapside Theater is only part of the challenge. Volunteers are greatly appreciated especially those who help us set up and tear it down. Don’t be shy if you want to join us.
Because we all do have to eventually retire, the Fairmasters are constantly looking for new talents, new food vendors, engaging personalities, craftsmen that amaze and shops filled with wonders. They really do travel all over the US to similar historic events always on the lookout for someone who will fit into our time period and scenario. New participants arrive and eventually fill the large shoes of those who are no longer with us. And they in turn become the residents of New Boston.
If you look at the participant parking lot you will see license plates from Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New York, Virginia, Tennessee, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Georgia and beyond. These folks are the best of the best. The best colonial era entertainers, the best historic characters, the best historical musicians, the merchants with the best wares and the best craftsmen that we have been able to locate, invite and attract to our event.
These participants are all juried. That means that they fill out an application and attach photos of themselves in period attire. (By the way, it’s not costuming. These actors are wearing the genuine copies of clothing that people wore between 1790 and 1810. And they take on the personality of the Fair character they choose.) They will not be at the Fair unless they have an accurate historic skill, presentation or craft, or look the part of a time traveler who just popped in from approximately 1800.
Some of our actors and musicians are professionals who are on the road for months at a time and are in big demand. Some have been in movies on the History Channel. Some are paid very well on the history circuit and here also. They work among the volunteers who are perfecting their own characters as they reside in New Boston.
We have our homegrown talent that forms the heart of the Fair at New Boston. These characters have been carefully researched. You would be amazed by the libraries these folks have for research. Some characters come out of our own family trees others might be fictional characters designed to compete our scenario. Many of our local characters in turn are sought out by other events in other states. There is no bigger compliment than to be requested at another event.
Take time to look at the historically accurate uniforms the militia and army regulars are wearing. And be sure to watch at least one firing of the full sized cannon.
You will not find cotton candy or deep fried Oreos at the Fair at New Boston. The foods served are all documented to have been served to people 225 years or so ago. Modern health standards are of course enforced, and paper plates and napkins are a necessity for this modern world. However these foods and the recipes are true to the times. Because of logistics, most of our food vendors are local participants.
Our entertainers, merchants and artisans are the travelers. Some drive thousands of miles each year from event to event. We are honored that our event is worthy of their participation.
And we have a Native American area. It is not a depiction of any place in particular, but it has samples of different kinds of dwellings found in this area. Respectful inclusion of this village is important to the telling of the stories of our ancestors who came to this region. There wasn’t always warfare. There were times of peace when the cultures learned from each other and adapted their clothing, food ways and lifestyles from each other to make life easier.
It always amazes me how many Springfield people do not know about the Fair at New Boston. Especially after all the signs we have put up over the years.
If you’ve never been to New Boston, this is the year to check off that box. Come time travel with us to a simpler time when our ancestors first arrived and met those who were already here.
And if you have visited the Fair at New Boston before, we will welcome you home.
Gates open each day at 10 a.m. Saturday closes at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Visit www.fairatnewboston.com or find us on Facebook for all the details.
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