While Chadds Ford Days is a 50-year tradition in the township, it’s always a first for some people. This year, one of those people is Allison Schell, the recently hired program and development manager for the Chadds Ford Historical Society, the host and beneficiary of Chadds Ford Days.

The event is one of the society’s major fundraisers. This year the colonial fair takes place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the meadow behind the Barn Visitor Center on Creek Road.

What’s new for this year?

One thing new for the event is the Barn Market, where antique dealers will be joining colonial and contemporary vendors to sell their wares.

The Barn Market idea originated during discussions between CFHS Executive Director Nadia Barakat, Board President Kendal Reynolds and Lisa Vonderstuck of Brandywine View Antiques. They held an event in April and decided to carry it forward into Chadds Ford Days.

For Schell, however, “everything’s new for me this year,’” she said with a laugh. “But, I’m looking forward to seeing all the [colonial] crafters because sometimes those events are sometimes hard to find. To find colonial crafters who do those crafts is really interesting.”

As in years past, there will be live music, a children’s play area with a moon bounce, a hayride and 18^th century games.

“Even though there are things to buy, it’s important for people to know it’s an event for families,” Schell said.

Schell believes that she and other members of her generation want to look back in time and see how things were done before automation and industrialization.

“Do-it-yourself projects are popular now, so is growing your own foods, pickling, being almost self-sustaining. I’ve been seeing a growth in that. And the fair has always highlighted that,” she said.

Chadds Ford Days began in the 1960s as a way to commemorate the 1777 Battle of Brandywine. While the colonial forces serving under Gen. George Washington were defeated, the fight delayed the British arrival in Philadelphia for five days, giving the Continental Congress time to leave the city before being occupied by British soldiers.

Re-enactors will be on hand, and there will be tours of the John Chad House across from the visitor center. Visitors will get the chance to buy bread baked in the original beehive oven at the house. And food from local restaurants will be available for purchase.

Adult admission is $10 per day for adults, free for ages 18 and under and Chadds Ford Historical Society members. Dogs are welcome.