The Dover Green is now part of the First State National Historical Park, but in the 1700s it was the center of life in Dover and the site of autumn market fairs.
The 6th annual event will feature living history characters, interactive performances and colonial beer brewer Jeff Moore will demonstrate traditional beer making methods using 1700s-style tools.
“The goal for First State Heritage Park is really to bring the history of Dover and Delaware to life and this is exactly what we’re doing by recreating these sights and sounds on The Green and allowing people to come and interact with them,” says Sarah Zimmerman, superintendent at First State Heritage Park.
She expects up to 5000 people will attend the annual market fair.
Besides entertainment, visitors can also watch traditional craftspeople at work from blacksmiths to glassblowers.
Zimmerman adds the market will be a good place to get an early jump on holiday shopping.
“There’s going to be several things for you to purchase, you can visit our woodworker, our blacksmith, we have two different glassmakers and they all have handcrafted items, one of a kind things that are not made by machine, they're made all by hand and they're each unique and special.”
Additionally, children can engage in a military muster with the 1st Delaware Regiment or visit the free photo booth to have their picture taken with props from the colonial era.
The 18th-Century Market Fair is free and runs from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday in Dover.