Experience 19th Century Life at Waterford’s 74th Waterford Fair

Idyllic village full of traditional crafts, events, and performances during weekend festival

Founded in 1733 by a Quaker from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the village of Waterford now lays nestled in rural Loudoun County as a reminder of early American life. Many of the buildings still in use by residents in the village were built before 1840.  Following a period of disrepair, the Waterford Foundation and their annual event, the Waterford Fair, was created in 1942 to “revive and stimulate a community interest in re-creating the town of Waterford as it existed in previous times with its varying crafts and activities.” Now 74 years later, more than 20,000 visitors come the first weekend in October to get a glimpse at how life used to be. This year, the fair will be held Oct. 5-7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Waterford Fair will welcome over one hundred artisans demonstrating techniques of traditional craftsmanship including ceramics, basket-weaving, and textiles. Three floors of juried handcrafts will be for sale in the restored brick mill and vintage barns will act as galleries for fine art and photography exhibitors.

Most homes in Waterford are private residences and eight excellent examples of preserved architecture will open to the public and offer one-of-a-kind tours over the three-day event.

Visitors will also witness colonial-era militia encampments, Civil War re-enactors including skirmishes and lots of activities for children throughout the weekend. Enjoy a variety of live music and food and beverage vendors including Loudoun County wine and beer in the Meadow.

Tickets to the Waterford Fair will be for sale online beginning Aug. 15. Advance tickets are $16 per person per day; students (13-21 years old) are $12. Tickets at the gate are $20 per person per day; students are $15 per day, children 12 and under are free.

Waterford is located just 45 miles northwest of Washington, DC and in close proximity to Dulles International Airport.   To get there:  take the Dulles Toll Road/Greenway to Leesburg, exit left and follow signs for Route 7 West.  Continue on Route 7 and Exit onto Route 9 West to Route 662 (Clarke’s Gap Road) and follow to Waterford.

Proceeds from the Waterford Fair are used to carry out the Foundation’s mission of education and preservation. Call 540-882-3018, ext. 4, or visit the web atwww.waterfordfairva.org for information.