Abner Longley Park will transform into an 18th century encampment on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17 for the public to explore a multitude of historical demonstrations, artifacts and activities.
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The Colonial Market Days and Encampment event kicked off on Friday, Sept. 15 with an invitation for Lebanon students to explore the scenery and learn about the history of encampments from reenactors portraying soldiers, housewives, artists and more who jumped at the opportunity to share their love for the 18th century. With over 1,000 students expected for the educational kickoff, the participants were tasked with preparing engaging and educational activities fit for a vast array of scholars.
Reenactors from across the nation travel every year to sell their handmade historical items and demonstrate the lives of different archetypes during the 18th century.
Gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17. On Saturday, a theatiki fire and drum demonstration will take place at 10 a.m., a horse demonstration will commence at 11 a.m., an artillery demonstration will take place at noon, Scoundrels Alley will open at 1 p.m., a woods battle will commence at 3 p.m. and gates will close at 5 p.m.
On Sunday, a church service will be held at 10 a.m., a theatiki fire and drum demonstration will occur at 11 a.m., a horse demonstration will occur at noon, an artillery demonstration will commence at 1 p.m., a woods battle will take place at 3 p.m. and the event will close at 4 p.m.
“There’s a woods battle, so there will be gunfire or the noise anyway,” John Messenger, Lebanon Parks Director, said. “They have a horse demo, for those of you that haven’t been, there will be crafts, handmade goods, potters molding clay (and) blacksmiths forging ironworks.”
Messenger continued to state that the event appears to grow every year with new activities and ideas as well as increasing attendance numbers from across the region.
“It’s really pretty neat that we’re doing that,” Messenger said. “This is several years that they’ve been doing that. They have a real nice turnout, and it’s actually growing.”
For more information on Colonial Market Days in Lebanon, visit the Colonial Market Days website.