Festifall returns to Albert Gallatin estate
The Friendship Hill Association is gearing up for its annual FestiFall celebration, which is held amid the rolling estate of Albert Gallatin in Springhill Township.
The association has held the event annually for 35 years as a way to familiarize residents with the life and times of Albert Gallatin.
“The event has gotten bigger by the year,” said coordinator Larry Reseter. “Gallatin was very instrumental in the community and politics of the area while he was here. We do our best to display what that period was like.”
Volunteer and chairwoman Beth Reseter said that at least 20 vendors, donned in 1800s-style clothing, will be on hand this year. New vendors will set up shop with mirrors, frames and other items made from repurposed wood, potted herbs, teas, fall decor and informational displays regarding Monarch butterflies by Monarch Mafia.
As a special event this year, the West Virginia University Fife and Drum Corps will be performing music from the 18th and 19th century.
“This is a perfect fit for Friendship Hill National Historic Park and their historic relevance,” said George Willis, associate professor of music and director for the WVU percussion department. “Our early American music is strictly military in nature. The fifes and drums were used during the Revolutionary War period as both communication devices and camp entertainment for the soldiers in the Continental Army camp.”
The Mountaineer Fife and Drum Corps will perform concerts both days and accompany the military re-enactors as they demonstrate their period firearms, Willis said.
Other events occurring throughout the weekend will include demonstrations of quilting, needlework, leatherworking, woodworking and spinning and weaving. There will also be period crafts, children’s activities, a vendor with 18th-century toys, military weaponry, tours through the mansion and self-guided hiking trails weaving through the estate that will take hikers on a journey to see such sites such as Sophia Gallatin’s grave and more.
Food, of course, has always been an attraction at FestFall. This year will be no different with the traditional menu offering roast beef sandwiches, pickled eggs, bean soup cooked in a kettle over a fire, sugar and molasses cookies, bread and apple butter, cider, lemonade and root beer. The Friendship Hill Association sponsors the food booths.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25. There is no charge to attend FestiFall and all activities are free. Visitors may donate to Friendship Hill Association when entering the park. Donations support Friendship Hill Association funding of National Park Service projects.
The park is handicapped accessible, and anyone wishing to volunteer may contact 304-376-4949. Period costumes are provided.