Travel Back in Time with Penn Colony's Living History Challenge

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Beth Rush (724) 352-9922

Tara Hill Conroy (412)-417-1995

www.pennscolony.com or www.facebook.com/pennscolony



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Travel Back to the 18th Century at Penn’s Colony Festival’s ‘Living History Challenge’

Founders Invite Active Participation at Home and at Festival

Saxonburg, PA, August 12, 2011– Have you ever wondered what daily life was like during Colonial America? In this time of economic uncertainty, do you sometimes long for the ‘simple life’ when everything was handmade in America and lasted for many years? This year’s Penn’s Colony Festival is designed to encourage visitors and enthusiasts to participate in a ‘Living History Challenge’ before and during the Festival which will be held on September 17-18 and 24-25 in Saxonburg, Butler County.

Each year, Penn’s Colony Festival features artists and musical entertainment reminiscent of the historic time period of the French and Indian War. Held in Saxonburg, Butler County, celebrating its 28th year and set on 12 easy walking, tree shaded acres, Penn’s Colony brings history to life. Through arts and crafts, entertainment, family activities such as games and pony rides, and more, Penn’s Colony has something for everyone. The marketplace features 150 exhibits from juried artisans offering quality, handmade in America crafts, jewelry, food, furniture and functional items from their shops nestled along the village streets.

“This is not just another craft show,” says founder Beth Rush. “This is an opportunity to travel back to the days when people made things that lasted. You can see and feel the passion in the work of these artisans. You can talk with them and ask them why they do what they do. They’ll be glad to share their stories of how they made the decision to act on their passions to create and preserve the handmade-in-America arts.”

Living History Challenge

The Festival’s founders and top historians are giving the public a chance to experience these activities up close and personal as well as from the comfort of their homes through the new Living History Challenge. This event is a rare opportunity for students, hobbyists, families or anyone curious about daily living during Colonial times to travel ‘back in time.’ Here is how to take part in the Living History Challenge:

Living History Challenge – At Home

Think of one idea or one or more item(s) that may have been used in Colonial America. The goal is to come up with something that would benefit or influence you, your family or your community to live more simply. Incorporate this into your daily life for approximately two weeks and then tell us about it on our Facebook Page. It may be as simple as using a wooden salad bowl or glass pitcher, turning off the TV for one day each week or even eating an entire meal with food from your own garden. To post your comment, go to www.facebook.com/pennscolony. Additionally, if you register through the link at the website, you will be entered for a chance to win a pair of passes to the September festival.

Living History Challenge – At Penn’s Colony

Take your love of 18th Century lifestyle to enter to win an opportunity to shadow some of the region’s top historians during the Penn’s Colony Festival. Winners will be randomly drawn for participation at the festival at designated date/time. Here is a list of Living History Challenge hands-on activities (subject to change)

(1) Open fire cook – Join the campfollowers and bake up a batch of sugar cookies in a dutch oven over the fire.

(2) French Aid during a skirmish – Serve as the messenger for the French Contrecouer Commander during a battle.

(3) Bagpiper – Learn the first lessons of piping on a chantor

(4) Sing for Your Supper – Sing Along with Druid Song just like the itinerant chanteurs who told stories to earn their supper and a bed at the public inn

Visit www.pennscolony.com to register and read event rules.

LIVING HISTORY CHALLENGE SUMMARY:

• For participation AT Home: Select your challenge, and commit to it for a period of two weeks. Write a brief, 1-2 paragraph essay describing what you did and the impact the challenge made in your life. Post it on the Penn’s Colony Facebook Page.

• For participation AT the Festival, select the challenge in which you would like to participate if you win. Winners must be able to make the commitment to participate on the date and time specified for their challenge. Penn’s Colony Festival is not responsible for transporting winners to or from the challenge event.



This year’s FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS include:

• Many new artisans featuring handmade in America wares, furniture and gifts to enhance daily life and decorate contemporary homes. The marketplace features 150 exhibits.

• RichPatrick Band – the three-member band entertains with lyrical and bawdy songs of the 18th century from colonial America across the pond to England, Ireland and Scotland.

• Brigadoon Highlanders Pipes and Drums (17th, 18th and 25h)

• Celtic Eagle Pipes and Drums (24th)

• Hidden History – An entertaining introduction to the history secrets behind the successes of our French, Native, British and European colonial ancestors. Presented twice daily on the Kuskusky Clearing stage.

• 18th c. Native American Eastern Woodland educator and demonstrator on Sept. 24-25.

• New this year for KIDS:

o Bring your favorite rock and identify it at the Panning for Gems activity. Learn the techniques to separate ordinary rocks from gems.

o Yuck! What’s that bug? Then Insect Creations will show you how to preserve your bugs and create a collection. Considered one of the “green” arts, the preservation display actually helps to sustain the economy and preserve the tropical forests.



Festival Dates and Hours of Operation:

Penn’s Colony Festival, weekends only

September 17, 18 and 24, 25, 2011:

Saturdays - 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.



Admission: $7 Adults (ages 16 to 59)

$6 Seniors (ages 60 +)

$5 Children (ages 8 to 15)

*Free for kids 7 and under*

Group rates and educational itineraries are available.



FREE On-site parking

Penn’s Colony is located on Saxonburg Boulevard, just off Route 228 East, outside Saxonburg in Butler County. For directions and other details, visit www.pennscolony.com or call 724-352-9922.

Penn’s Colony is pleased to provide contact information for possible interviews with some of our local history re-enactors, entertainers, artisans and exhibitors. For more information, contact Beth Rush at 724-352-9922 or email penns@consolidated.net



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Pennsylvania's Premier Folk Art Marketplace

Penn’s Colony Festival

Write to: Post Office Box 431 Saxonburg, PA 16056 (724) 352-9922 www.pennscolony.com