Fair at New Boston host annual Education Day, students learn history

Michael Thompson demonstrates the pocket fiddle for a group of students during the Fair at New Boston’s Education Day Friday. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Michael Thompson demonstrates the pocket fiddle for a group of students during the Fair at New Boston’s Education Day Friday. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Clark County and surrounding students gathered around a large cannon Friday to learn about history during Education Day at the Fair at New Boston.

The annual event every Friday before Labor Day draws many school districts because of its authentic experiences and the fun the students have learning history from craftsman and historians.

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“We invite kids from all over the county, Montgomery County, Greene County, to come to the grounds today and check out some of our artisans on site,” said Suzy Sielke, one of the marketers of the event. “They can watch demonstrations, have lunch and learn about 1798.”

The experience is one the children will always remember, marketer Lynn Slowden said.

“We have entertainers doing period entertainment from the 18th century,” marketer Lynn Slowden said. “We have an 18th-century play, we have musicians, we have militia, fife and drum, and we have cannons.”

The Fair at New Bostons runs till Sunday at George Roger’s Clark Park.

“We are out here from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all weekend rain or shine,” Sielke said.

Those who attend this weekend can experience what it was like before in Ohio before the civil war, Slowden said.

“There is a battle re-enactment at 4 p.m. every day,” Slowden said.

Also, Indiana mounted rangers and British Navy actors are part of the festivities to represent the war of 1812, she said.

One of the biggest attractions every year is the food she said.

Commentary: Fair at New Boston sets stage for look into history

“Lots of good food that all made here on site,” she said. “We have three taverns for cold beverages including beer and hard cider.”

There are other drinks like coffee and lemonade available, Slowden said.


If you go

What: The Fair at New Boston

When: Saturday, Sept. 1 and Sunday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days

Where: George Rogers Clark Park, 930 South Tecumseh Rd., Springfield

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