Free festival to be held September 16

HARRISBURG, Aug. 30, 2007 - This year's Fort Hunter Day will be especially grand as this annual fall festival marks its 50th year.

This year's salute to a simpler way of life will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun., Sept 16 at Dauphin County's historic Fort Hunter Park, 5300 North Front Street in Harrisburg.

Families will enjoy children's crafts, games and activities, an arts and crafts show, demonstrations of 18th and 19th century life, tours of Fort Hunter Mansion, strolling musicians, pony rides, hayrides, carriage rides and much more in a scenic outdoor setting. A special feature of the day is the simmering apple butter kettle, where visitors can savor, taste and take home this popular treat. Another crowd favorite is the strolling soft-pretzel vendors. A wide range of other foods will also be on hand for purchase.

Archaeologists from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will be excavating in the side yard of the Mansion to follow up on discoveries made last fall that may show where Fort Hunter's original namesake fort was located in the 1750s.

Throughout the afternoon, local folk, gospel and blues musicians from the Susquehanna Folk Music Society - Tim Alexander, Sandy Shalk, Antonio Andrade, Roger Berger, Modern Blue, Ed Huran, and Jess & Julia - will entertain on the corncrib stage. Be sure to enjoy piano recitals by Nan Bonnet and Alan Hair in the Heckton Church. Barbershop quartet, Gents Night Out and bagpipers Dr. Robert Davidson and Rodney Owens will stroll the grounds throughout the day. The afternoon will conclude with the All-American sounds of the New Cumberland Town Band.

All attractions are free of charge, with the exception of Mansion tours, children's crafts and food.

Fort Hunter Day is sponsored by the Friends of Fort Hunter. Fort Hunter Park is located at 5300 N. Front St., six miles from downtown Harrisburg. For more information, call 599-5751.