Olivia Fashian and siblings Ava and Caleb Wachtman of Delaware, Ohio have grown up around the Fair at New Boston, busking in front of the Rush Acadamie tent, a recreation of an 18th century school, and yearned to take the act to a wider audience.
With violins, vocals, physical comedy and humor, the Wandering Minstrels were cheered and had the audience clapping along, which soothed their nerves and added confidence going into the day’s second show and Sunday’s final day of the fair.
“It was better with an audience,” said Ava Wachtman, age 17. “We’re grateful to the fair for giving us the chance.”
Although they have done several of the songs busking previously, the trio worked for two months prior to the fair honing the act. Fashian, the eldest Minstrel at 22, said a key was making sure the music was true to the 18th century, for to go beyond would cheat the audience.
They even added their own original touch by creating the words for their closing blessing, words to the tune of “Auld Lange Syne.”
Master Caleb, as he was introduced, was the youngest Minstrel and scene stealer, playing up the comedy. He said the hardest part for him was the timing. The ladies have been playing violins since about age 5.
The Wandering Minstrels are hoping to make their act a regular attraction at future Fairs at New Boston with necessary adjustments as Caleb grows.
Besides performing, they enjoy renewing friendships with those who they only see at this time of year and said this was the best of the historical events they attend.
“I like wandering around and having fun,” Fashian said.
Event organizers are looking for new generations and to take active roles in continuing the event and this could be a step in that direction.
This was also a point of pride for Shelly Wachtman, mom of Ava and Caleb, who was once told by some older reenactors not to count on the kids’ participation as they aged. Even her older kids still participate with their spouses.
“Here we are these many years later,” she said, smiling. “This is a wonderful way to learn history.”
The Fair at New Boston, which is held every Labor Day weekend, will continue 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
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