Weekend Roundup: Fair Fun

By Rachael Dickson (Contact)

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Now in its 36th year, the annual Lucketts Fair will offer numerous kid-friendly events, contests, artistic demonstrations and more this Saturday and Sunday. History buffs can take a trip out to Morven Park on Saturday to experience World War I through the eyes of former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis and his wife in a living history event. And antique car-owners, or anyone who appreciates antique cars, are welcome out to Doukenie Winery for their first Cruise-In.

36th Annual Lucketts Fair

The 36th annual Lucketts Fair will take place this weekend on August 23 and 24.

The fair features more than 100 crafters from all over the United States, including many competing to win prizes for their crafts, demonstrations and displays. The International Market features crafts from around the world, including European embroidery and Thai cloth art.

Various bluegrass bands will be featured throughout the weekend, including local bands Andy Hawk and the Train Wreck Endings, Studio Gone Wrong, and the Bands of Frank Keim at Loudoun Music Instruction. Country musician John Luskey will also perform.

For kids, expect to see clowns, puppet shows, a farmyard petting zoo, pony rides through the woods, and a tractor pedal pull contest.

Other contests include skills such as pie eating, rooster crowing, and the special Lucketts Wacky Olympics, including games such as a straw-bale relay and catching rubber chickens in giant pans. There will also be a pie-baking contest and a gardening contest, where judges will pick the largest tomato, largest zucchini and largest sunflower.

Local artisans will demonstrate various crafts such as gem-cutting quilting, rug hooking, wool spinning, and pottery. You can also learn about the history of Lucketts, beekeeping, butterflies, archaeology, and historic houses. An agricultural exhibit will provide hands-on activities for families such as corn grinding, and an antique tractor display.

Also, be sure to visit the Green Pavilion, an exhibit designed to show sustainable living and alternative energy sources. Kids can participate in hands-on recycling projects or watch solar power demonstrations.

The Silent Auction this year includes high-ticket items such as four Washington Redskins suite tickets, a signed Washington Capitals team jersey, and various gift certificates and items donated by local businesses.

A variety of food will be for sale by local groups such as Lucketts Elementary School PTA, the Ruritan Club, and Mount Pleasant Church.

Proceeds from the fair will go to help maintain the historic Old Lucketts School, to fund preschool and camp scholarships, and to the local English for Families program.

The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Lucketts Community Center located at 42361 Lucketts Road in Leesburg. Tickets are sold at the gates for $8. Kids 5 and younger get in free. Advanced ticket discounts are available for groups of 10 or more - for information, e-mail faircommittee@luckettsfair.com.

WWI-Era Virginia Comes to Life

This Saturday at Morven Park, get ready to experience the World War I home front like you never have before.

At "1918: A living history program on WWI and the home front," five historical interpreters will be portraying Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis, his wife Marguerite and several Leesburg citizens of the time period.

"Governor Davis came into office in February of 1918 during the Great War, and he and his wife led the 'home front' effort to buy war bonds, collect items for soldiers, and write letters," Tracy Gillespie, the director of Historical Operations for Morven Park, said.

Visitors will be able to meet the characters and listen to them tell stories about what World War I and what life was like during the war.

An exhibit of World War I items will also be displayed, including a soldier's uniform, photographs of the governor and his wife, and local newspapers.

The program will run continuously from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane in Leesburg. Tickets are $5 for adults, $1 for children ages 6 to 12, and free admission for children under 6

Cruise-In with Doukenie

This Saturday, Doukenie Winery will be hosting its first Cruise-In with Doukenie.

Anyone who brings a vintage car to the winery will receive a free bottle of wine. In addition, winery-related prizes will be given out for the coolest hot road, most unique car, and oldest car.

The winery is also releasing a new wine at the event, a red wine called Zeus. Organizers are expecting a large turnout to this family-friendly event.

Visitors are welcome to bring picnic baskets to the winery. Cheese, salami, and crackers will be available for purchase.

The Cruise-In will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Doukenie Winery at 14727 Mountain Road in Purcellville. Tasting fees apply.

Tagged: Adam Donachie, Bluemont, Doukenie Winery, history, Lucketts, Morven Park, Roundup

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