CLARK COUNTY, Ohio — There is no need to drive all the way to Virginia to see Colonial Era America at its finest.

Cannons will boom as the Fair at New Boston celebrates 25 years of living history excellence, Sept 1 - 2. On Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, this premier living history event will be held in Wright Patterson's own backyard.

This nationally recognized colonial era trades fair promises rocking fun for the entire family at an affordable price. The Fair at New Boston is held only once a year at George Rogers Clark Park, six miles east of Fairborn on State Route 4 near Springfield.

Everything about the event creates the illusion of stepping back 200 years into the time. Join in the cheering as General George Rogers Clark returns to the site of one of his greatest Revolutionary War victories. Clark's arrival on horseback will begin this year's celebration, which also features visits by Daniel Boone, Ben Logan, and Simon Kenton.

The entertainment, merchandise booths, clothing, methods of cooking, foods served and equipment used by the artisans are juried (or judged) to assure authenticity to the period, 1790 -1810.

Rollicking entertainment, Colonial-style, is one of the main reasons for attending the Fair at New Boston. Musicians stroll the grounds or set up performances in the tavern areas. All day long more than 600 18th century characters mingle with the crowd.

On the hill by the flagpole, the First Mad River Light Artillery will have everyone's full attention when they fire their shiny full-sized Revolutionary War cannon. The cannon crew will also be an important part of the battle reenactment, which is scheduled late in the afternoon of each day. Drums will roll when the militia musters and drills at their military encampment and on the parade grounds.

Children will enjoy "Pepito" the marionette, wagon rides, puppet shows, and participate in colonial children's games.

Follow a short path through the woods to the Eastern Woodland Indian camp where the lifestyle of the Shawnee and other tribes is portrayed.

All day on the main field, the best living-history artisans from around the nation demonstrate their 18th century skills as blacksmiths, silversmiths, gunsmiths, woodworkers, and other colonial craftsmen.

Quality merchants offer a variety of colonial era goods for purchase and Christmas gift giving. Mongers and blanket traders hawk their wares. In the blockhouse within the walls of the triangular log fort, a French trading post will be found.

A variety of delicious 18th century foods includes chicken and noodles, buffalo burgers, pork chops, raspberries and cream, gingerbread, sausages and much more. Three taverns and a coffeehouse offer drinks including lemonade, sarsaparilla, and iced tea in addition to adult beverages.

The Fair at New Boston is presented by the non-profit George Rogers Clark Heritage Association. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children aged 6-11, and free age 5 and under. Admission for military active duty is $5 with military ID card. Parking is free and plentiful. Gates will open at 10 a.m. - and close at 6 p.m., rain or shine.

For further information and detailed driving instructions see the website at www.grcha.org or call 882-9216.

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