Old-fashioned ‘faire’ will raise funds for historic homestead
Glidden Homestead’s “Uncle Joe’s Country Faire” seeks to recapture some of the fun and pleasures of an “olde-tyme country faire” of more than 100 years ago, including a barbecue dinner and square dance.
While a donation is being asked for the meal and dance, admission is free to the midway, where special historical figures in old-time costumes will stroll the grounds and join in the fun. Faire-goers also can enjoy hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn available for sale.
Historically-themed music will be performed on the midway, where people can select from many bake sale items. The public is encouraged to donate family specialties for this event to benefit of the Glidden Homestead. The public is also encouraged to donate to the Homemade Pie Auction. Contact board member Kim Goyke for details at 815-260-7154.
For a $3 donation, children can participate in all the games and activities offered from 2-6 p.m. Simple pleasures of days gone by that can be discovered by children will include games – horseshoes; balloon darts; bag, ring and bucket toss games; a treasure hunt and putt-putt golf – for prizes. In the craft-making area, children can make old-time hats, fans and whizzers.
The afternoon’s events also will include demonstrations of several old-time crafts, as well as a special quilt exhibit in the shelter house from 2-4:30 p.m. A People’s Choice Award for the most popular quilt will be presented at 4:30 p.m.
“Uncle Joe’s Country Faire” also will include several contests, including a cupcake eating contest.
The day will conclude with a special old-fashioned dinner-dance with musical entertainment. One $20 ticket will cover the evening’s festivities from 5-8:30 p.m.
A barbecue dinner will be served from 4-6:30 p.m. near the shelter house if the weather is nice or inside otherwise, with musical entertainment provided.
After dinner, a square dance exhibition by the Sugar Squares of Hinckley is planned, including lessons for those who are interested and open dancing for all.
For tickets to the event, call the number above or visit the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce or contact Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center board members.
If you go
What: Uncle Joe’s Country Faire
When: 2-8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: In and around the shelter house at Hopkins Park, 1430 Sycamore Road in DeKalb
Contact: 815-756-7904
Online: www.gliddenhomestead.org