What's new for 1898 Labor Day Weekend? More than you think!
Roxbury's Turn of the Century Days invites everyone to get in the picture
Many moons from now, your grandchildren can point to your image in the 19th century summertime landscape of Roxbury's Kirkside Park. There you are, surrounded by base ball players in baggy flannels, suffragists, vaudeville jugglers, and all your fellow 19th century friends and neighbors . . . click!
On Saturday, Aug. 30, a community-wide panoramic portrait of everyone in period dress will make Roxbury's Turn of the Century Days a fun family memory for generations to come.
It will be "1898" the entire Labor Day weekend in Roxbury, but except for that "say cheese" moment, don't expect time to stand still: All the agreeable pursuits of the late 1800s will be going strong all throughout this idyllic Catskills hamlet.
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| CHILLIN' IN 1898 — Turn of the Century fashion doesn't have to be stuffy. You can take part in Roxbury's traditional 1898 Labor Day weekend while maintaining your cool. Contact the Roxbury Parks Department (607 326-3722) or keep visiting roxburyny.com to learn how you can participate in style. |
"In addition to our seasoned team of fashionistas, we're thrilled to have the talents and logistical expertise of costume designer Juliet Polcsa (HBO's "The Sopranos") this year as well as some additional resources," explained Community Resources Director Peg Ellsworth. "This means even innocent bystanders can become part of the action with the help of our period dress and really experience firsthand how that instantly changes your bearing and your immersion in Turn of the Century Days."
Another first this year will be special Kirkside ball park seating and service available only to those "appropriately" attired, to enhance the time-transporting ambience for everyone. "Don't worry, if you want to be a part of the action, I'm confident we will be able to suit you up," said Ellsworth. She emphasized that an authentic outfit doesn't have to be fancy dress: "Dungarees and overalls are definitely 19th century."
This "Turn of the Century Days" will be the most "hands on" ever. In addition to vintage base ball all day Saturday and Sunday and the ever popular Fashion Show on Sunday, there will be weaving workshops by master weaver Martha Bremer, silhouette portraits done on the spot by Deborah O'Connor, and a supervised children's crafts and pastimes tent both days. You can also join in old-fashioned fun like a tug-o-war and pie-eating contest.
The Keator Cup base ball tournament takes off on Friday evening, August 29 with a tribute to manager John McAlonen and will hold its first-ever "hall of fame" induction on Sunday, Aug. 31. Read more about the weekend's vintage base ball action in this guide.
On Saturday Kirkside Park will also be bustling with a traditional Beer Garden BBQ and other tasty authentic country fare by area eateries. On Sunday, delicious BBQ, ball park fare, and an ice cream social will be provided by the Roxbury VFD, the Rotary and other community organizations. As always, a horse drawn coach and wagon will ferry you through town, and historic hamlet tours will be enhanced on Saturday with a once-a-year opportunity to go inside some of Roxbury's most beautiful historic homes. Roving minstrels will supply the sound of mountain music each day, and period vendors will hawk their wares from market carts.
As part of their own education into historical tourism, Roxbury student docents will be working with a professional videographer that weekend on a marketing DVD to capture all the Turn of the Century fun — yet another reason to get ready for your closeup and play a part in "history."
But why wait until Labor Day? Get on board now and you can be an integral part of this great Roxbury tradition. Contact the Roxbury Parks Department at 607-326-3722 for more information and to find out how you can get involved.
AMATEURS WELCOME! — There's lots of "hands on" fun for kids of all ages during Roxbury's Turn of the Century Days on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31. Clan Tynker will even let you try your hand at their vaudevillian stunts, as long as you're not needed in the infield. Photos courtesy of the Town of Roxbury.