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St. Johnsville, N.Y. —
For the 50th consecutive year, Fort Klock celebrated Independence Day with its annual strawberry festival, offering a little something for everyone on the Fourth of July.
The annual celebration at the fortified homestead was funded entirely from donations and fundraisers and included a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Fort Klock Historic Restoration President Eugene Wagner. Wagner said he was pleased with the turnout.
“The Independence Day celebration and strawberry festival is one of our larger events, second only to the fall craft fair, and is a good opportunity for us to let the community know about our site and our organization,” he said. “As an all-volunteer organization it is important that we get the word out about what we do here at Fort Klock and about the events we have coming up.”
Members of the Third Battalion of the Tryon County Militia were on hand Wednesday afternoon to demonstrate weapons and model 18th century garb, as was Emily Loadwick who displayed and sold handsewn, reproduced clothing from the 18th and 19th centuries. Additionally, blacksmith Steve Gurzler led demonstrations and Anita Smith led class in the one-room schoolhouse.
Though Fort Klock was filled with patriotic sentiment throughout the day, Wagner said the strawberry shortcake, cakes, cookies and other home baked treats stole the show.
“It’s fun for everyone to come out and try recipes from years ago,” said Wagner. “It’s important to hear the Declaration of Independence because that is the reason for the Fourth of July celebration, but it’s also important for families and neighbors to come out and enjoy themselves and the treats.”
As this is the 50th anniversary year for Fort Klock, Wagner said the historic site has a number of events planned, including a concert by Stone Soup on Friday, July 27, at 7 p.m., the annual young pioneer program July 31 to Aug. 2 and the Klock family reunion on Saturday, Aug. 4.
Fort Klock will also feature its two day craft fair on Sept. 8 and 9. This event, said Wagner, will highlight the works of more than 100 crafters and artists. Phone 518-568-7779 for information.
For the 50th consecutive year, Fort Klock celebrated Independence Day with its annual strawberry festival, offering a little something for everyone on the Fourth of July.
The annual celebration at the fortified homestead was funded entirely from donations and fundraisers and included a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Fort Klock Historic Restoration President Eugene Wagner. Wagner said he was pleased with the turnout.
“The Independence Day celebration and strawberry festival is one of our larger events, second only to the fall craft fair, and is a good opportunity for us to let the community know about our site and our organization,” he said. “As an all-volunteer organization it is important that we get the word out about what we do here at Fort Klock and about the events we have coming up.”
Members of the Third Battalion of the Tryon County Militia were on hand Wednesday afternoon to demonstrate weapons and model 18th century garb, as was Emily Loadwick who displayed and sold handsewn, reproduced clothing from the 18th and 19th centuries. Additionally, blacksmith Steve Gurzler led demonstrations and Anita Smith led class in the one-room schoolhouse.
Though Fort Klock was filled with patriotic sentiment throughout the day, Wagner said the strawberry shortcake, cakes, cookies and other home baked treats stole the show.
“It’s fun for everyone to come out and try recipes from years ago,” said Wagner. “It’s important to hear the Declaration of Independence because that is the reason for the Fourth of July celebration, but it’s also important for families and neighbors to come out and enjoy themselves and the treats.”
As this is the 50th anniversary year for Fort Klock, Wagner said the historic site has a number of events planned, including a concert by Stone Soup on Friday, July 27, at 7 p.m., the annual young pioneer program July 31 to Aug. 2 and the Klock family reunion on Saturday, Aug. 4.
Fort Klock will also feature its two day craft fair on Sept. 8 and 9. This event, said Wagner, will highlight the works of more than 100 crafters and artists. Phone 518-568-7779 for information.
