Fair at New Boston draws crowds for period food, fun

While this weekend’s Fair at New Boston focuses on 1814 and all the booths and merchants represent the 1800s, the battle re-enactment is from a little earlier — 1780 to be exact.

The natives and English soldiers fought a regiment from Illinois in a brief skirmish won by the Americans, according to John Rieske, a historian and, for re-enactment purposes, an English lieutenant.

Those who came to the fair at George Rogers Clark Park specifically to see the “battle” were not disappointed. There was some rain Saturday, but the historical festival goes on rain or shine and the re-enactment started in a drizzle before the weather cleared up.

Donald Manor from Fairborn has been coming to the fair for about 10 years. He’s retired Air Force and comes to re-enactments because he enjoys battles when he’s not actually in them.

Manor’s family has lived in America since the Mayflower, and he said he’s interested in U.S. history because his family was here, though they were on the East Coast and not in New Boston.

He also said human conflict now is not that different from human conflict then.

“The lessons of 1780 are not different than the lessons of 2014,” Manor said.

Valerie Walker has been coming to the fair for about 10 years, but she prefers the side of the fair with the merchants and the food.

And there’s a lot to see on that side. Merchants are selling everything from pewter to clothing, and food of the times is also available at the three taverns and multiple stands.

Today is the last day to experience 1814 at the Fair at New Boston from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for military personnel with identification and $3 for children.

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