What to know before you go to Waterford Heritage Days
Maybe you go for the elephant ears, kettle corn or lemonade. Or perhaps it's for watching the parade or bouncing on the inflatables or seeing the living history camps.
Whatever draws you to Waterford Heritage Days, you're sure to find plenty more to do over the three-day celebration.
When is Waterford Heritage Days?
The community event was created in the 1970s to honor Waterford's past, present and future. This year, it will take place July 19, 3 to 8 p.m.; July 20, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and July 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the parks in downtown Waterford and in various other locations.
Admission is free and there will be food, beverages and other items available for purchase.
Highlights
The weekend will feature a variety of vendors selling foods including pickles, cotton candy, coffee, beer, wine, walking tacos, gyros, ice cream and more. Live music will also be performed throughout the weekend and a petting zoo and bounce houses are planned.
Here are some other highlights:
July 19
5 p.m.-sold out: Strawberry social.
5-7 p.m. or sold out: Chicken and biscuit dinner.
8-10 p.m.: Live music at Stancliff Hose Co., also July 20.
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July 20
8 a.m.-noon: Pancake breakfast.
10 a.m.: Parade on Cherry Street.
10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Living history camps with displays and demonstrations related to the 18th century, U.S. Civil War, World War II and more, Fort LeBoeuf Historic Campus.
Noon-5 p.m.: Kids 18th century games at Washington Park.
July 21
10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Living history campus, Fort LeBoeuf Historic Campus.
1-3 p.m.: Meet-and-greet with the TV character Bluey in the ball park.
2 p.m.: See fashions of the 18th century, Amos Judson House lawn.
Historical memorials
Visitors to Washington Park on Route 19 can see the statue of George Washington, who was a 21-year-old major in the Virginia militia when he arrived in Waterford in December 1753 to tell the French they were trespassing in British territory.
National recognition: George Washington's route to Waterford could be designated as a historic trail
A memorial to Strong Vincent, a U.S. Civil War hero and brigadier general, is located at East First and Cherry streets. He was born on the property there in 1837 in a house that later burned down.
Dana Massing can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Waterford Heritage Days celebrate community with food, music, history, more
