Saturday and Sunday October 5 & 6 from 10am to 5pm. The Fall Fesival is an authentic,19th-century country fair with something for everyone.
There are exhibitions in more than 150 categories of judged baked goods, preserves, hand-made needlecrafts and the industrial arts—including tin, iron and wooden wares; pottery; cooperage (barrel making); printing; and broom and soap making.
Youth compete in 60 different aged categories, from penmanship and pottery to photography and pumpkin pie.
Among the competitions are those for the largest pumpkin, one for weight and a second for size. The competitions are open to museum members and the public alike, and most have both 19th- and 21st-century categories. This year entrants will receive one day free admission to the Ag Fair. The 2013 Premium Book is coming soon!!!
Eye-catching 19th-century vegetables, many of them unfamiliar to modern gardeners, will also be found in a special vegetable and floral tent.
Prize-winning sheep, oxen, cows, and alpaca will be on display, in addition to a poultry show, sponsored by the Rochester Poultry Assn. On Saturday watch the goat show and competition hosted by the Genesee Valley Dairy Goat Club.
The popular produce tent features specialty vendors offering cheeses, baked goods, maple products, spices, honey, cider, fresh vegetables and other specialty items. Vendors include Abbott's Custard, the Rochester Herb Society, Helmut's Strudel, and many more!
Meet author Michael T. Keene (Folklore and Legends of Rochester) as he signs copies of his newest work Murder, Mayhem and Madness: 150 Year of Crime & Punishment in Western New York in the gift shop. Copies of both books will be available for purchase at $19.95 each.
Also experience 19th-century magic, mystery and mayhem — all appropriate for an old-time fair in western New York. Around the turn of the 20th century, Harry Houdini traveled to Rochester several times to perform his daredevil stunts and magical tricks for awe-inspired crowds.
Experience the spirit of a 19th-century magic show, visit the tent of the wonders, hear the pitch of the traveling medicine woman, attend a Punch & Judy puppet show, enjoy a concert by the Genesee Harmonic Society (Sun only) or see the various side show acts peformed by the villagers!
And, as was common at 19th-century fairs, museum vintage base ball teams will square off for the Mayor’s Cup Championship trophy.
The consolation game will be played Saturday and the championship game on Sunday. Both games are at 1:30 p.m. and are played at Silver Base Ball Park, the only replica 1800s base ball park in the nation.
The museum is seeking specialty vendors for the market tent. In particular, we are looking for meats, cheeses, and crafts people to sell their unique goods. Please email events@gcv.org if interested.
Some photography contributed by Loyd Heath.