New Jersey has a rich history, and it had played an integral part of the founding of the United States of America. Ever since then, and before the industrial revolution, New Jersey’s economy was based heavily on agriculture. For people in the Freehold, Farmingdale and Manalapan area, the Early 19th Century Spring Festival is a great way to learn about this fascinating time period in New Jersey’s history. To better understand what the festival is about, we’ve created you a guide to the Early 19th Century Spring Festival.
What Is the Early 19th Century Spring Festival?
The Early 19th Century Spring Festival is a way to experience what life was like in 1836 New Jersey. Because agriculture was a major part of New Jersey’s economy, the beginning of spring was an important time for farmers to ready their crops for the next growing season. Attendees can watch as actors dressed in authentic costumes prepare for spring, and you can even help plant seeds alongside them. You’ll even be able to take some flower seeds home for your very own garden.
The New Jersey Militia will have a demonstration of the various drills that they would go through, and they’ll even showcase their weaponry and skill when it comes to protecting their village from intruders. Around 2 p.m., attendees can participate in the Spring Auction, located at the General Store, where village craftsmen will sell their wares and trinkets to the highest bidder.
Children can enjoy planting flowers and playing games. For their entertainment, there will even be puppet shows that your children can sit back and enjoy. The Early 19th Century Spring Festival will also feature various craft shops where you can explore the various handmade jewelry, trinkets and crafts that are made by the villagers. You can even get a taste of history by enjoying some of the fresh goods from the bakery, who specializes in old-fashioned cookies.
Early 19th Century Spring Festival: When/Where
The Early 19th Century Spring Festival will take place on April 16th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will be held at the Historic Village at Allaire, which is located at 4263 Atlantic Avenue in Farmingdale. To get to this event, you can take I-195 West and get off at Exit 31-B.
Allaire Village is a non-profit living museum who works to educate and preserve New Jersey’s history. The village was once an iron-producing factory town, which featured the Howell Iron Works Company. Allaire Village was also a self-sufficient community that contained farmers, iron workers, a church and a post office, founded by James P. Allaire, a master mechanic and a steam engine builder who was on the forefront of the Industrial Revolution.
This non-profit museum offers an authentic historical experience that not only informs but entertains. Because this museum is non-profit, it relies on member donations, the support of volunteers and the Freehold, Farmingdale and Monmouth County communities. Make sure to come out and celebrate spring at the Early 19th Century Spring Festival!
