Photo above courtesy of Waterford Foundation. Photos of the reenactors by Jennifer Jule Studios.

By Bendure Communications

When you stroll the streets of the Waterford National Historic Landmark in Waterford, Virginia, you’ll step back in time. First settled in 1733 by Quakers from Pennsylvania, it is an extraordinary collection of 18th- and 19th-century buildings set within 1,420 acres of rolling farmland located just one hour from Washington, D.C.

Since 1943, the Waterford Foundation and the historic village of Waterford have welcomed visitors to experience one of the country’s most unique fall crafts and arts fairs and tour some of the historic homes in the charming village. The Waterford Fair takes place on October 4-6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with an early bird ticket available for entry on Friday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. This historic village provides an opportunity to step back into history and is the perfect setting for a fall outing.

The weekend features 79 of the finest American artisans, many from Loudoun County and the Mid-Atlantic (many nationally known), that will demonstrate their crafts and sell their beautiful, handmade pieces. In addition, there will be lively performances of traditional music and dance; historical interpreters and Virginia-specific talks; and a fine arts exhibit.  A tour of the village will offer guests a look into restored historic homes and buildings with more than eleven buildings and gardens on the tour (different places open daily) and will include a walk-through Civil War and Quaker cemeteries. On Friday, a special reenactment of a day in an 1880’s classroom will take place in Waterford’s one-room schoolhouse.  Check the website for specific artisans, homes and gardens on tour, the daily entertainment schedule and other activities (www.waterfordfairva.org).

New this year is an exciting collaboration, and new tradition, with neighbors and friends John and Bonnie Branding of the nationally-recognized estate brewery Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery. For the first time ever, the fair is offering attendees a beer created especially for the fair, the “80^th Anniversary Waterford Fair Beer”.

The fair’s entertainment lineup this year includes The Danny Knicely Trio, The Plate Scrapers, Fiddlin’ Dave Van Deventer and Morgan Morrison, and the popular duo of Ashlee Watkins & Andrew Small, from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. All performances are included in the fair ticket.

Other exciting features of the fair include three floors of juried handcrafts and home baked goods by 68 artisans for sale in a restored brick mill; vintage barns full of fine art and dried flower arrangements & wreaths for sale, traditional music and dance, and historical interpreters.

There are lots of children’s activities throughout the weekend that include the chance to earn a Waterford Explorers badge upon completion of a village scavenger hunt. Children can also help to make a penny rug, a stenciled floor cloth or try their hand at the potter’s wheel and make a clay pot. There’s a magic show, a chance to play in a jug band and an opportunity to see a real one-room schoolhouse and learn what school was like in the 1800s.

Food is available throughout the fair including at the Old Mill Shop that will offer homemade baked goods along with candles, tote bags, ornaments and more. Throughout each day, there will be samplings of fine and faire food. A Farmer’s Market will also provide an array of food products. “Talbott’s Tavern” will feature the best in Loudoun County wines and craft beers from Wheatland Springs Farm + Brewery—including the “80^th Anniversary” beer.

The Waterford Fair takes place throughout the historic village. Waterford is one of only three villages in the U.S. designated a National Historic Landmark District.  Many of the village homes and structures, and the surrounding farmland have been preserved thanks to the residents, friends of Waterford and annual proceeds from the Waterford Fair that have helped preserve and protect this unique place. The fair provides a once-a-year opportunity to fully experience this community which is brimming with history and character.

Tickets for the Waterford Fair are on sale now at www.waterfordfairva.org or by calling 540-882-3018 Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Purchase in advance and save up to 35%. Tickets at the gate are $25 per adult per day, $20 for seniors, military and students per day, and free for Waterford Foundation members and children 12 and under. Early Bird tickets, three-day passes, and group rates are also available. All musical performances are included in the ticket price.

Saturday evening of the fair offers a separately ticketed event, “Waterford on the Rocks”, an intimate cocktail party held in the picturesque garden at the Braden House. Tickets are $80 per person and are available at waterfordfoundation.org/event/waterfordontherocks.