Chadds Ford Days are back

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on August 28, 2019

Chadds Ford Days, the colonial fair, returns to the Chadds Ford Historical Society on Sept. 14 and 15.

It’s back like the Phoenix but with the great bird relying on its own roots for a comeback. It’s Chadds Ford Days, coming back to the Chadds Ford Historical Society on the weekend of Sept. 14 and 15 after a one year hiatus.

The roots of Chadds Ford Days refer to the fact that the colonial fair began as, and should remain, a celebration of what Chadds Ford is all about, according to CFHS Board President Phyllis Recca.

A scavenger hunt is one of the events planned for kids.

“It lost its focus on history over the years,” she said. “We’re resurrecting the emphasis on our colonial roots. … This event is specific to us. No one else has that colonial spin.”

She said Chadds Ford history centers around three things, Colonial America, art and the Battle of Brandywine. Recca earlier said that was what Chris Sanderson had in mind when he started Chadds Ford Days back in 1958.

Gone from this year’s event are things like the moon bounce, but colonial crafts are returning. On tap are a sawmill demonstration and a blacksmith. There will also be history lessons for kids, Recca said. Andrew Outten from the Brandywine Battlefield Park will be on hand with a mini education program featuring musket drills and a water balloon launch.

Crafts for kids include marble making and the making of felt bags. There will also be a scavenger hunt where the youngsters will have to find a variety of colonial images scattered around the Historical Society grounds.

There will still be live music, but it will be Bluegrass instead of rock.

The emphasis on history will also include at least four different lectures, including talks by re-enactor Noah Lewis, historian Mike Harris, artist Adrian Martinez and Phi Duffy who will talk about Washington’s spies.

Chadds Ford Days will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept.14 and 15. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7-17 and free for those 6 and younger and for CFHS members..

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.