COLONIAL DAYS IN YORK OCT. 19-20
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT,
OYSTERS GALORE AND TAVERN GAMES

Revolutionary War re-enactors, an Oyster Festival and a Tavern Night will bring to life York Town, Pennsylvania, as it was 225 years ago when the Continental Congress met there.

A part of the "Nine Months in York Town" celebration, Colonial Days will take place on Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20. The event will center around the Colonial Court House and the neighboring Golden Plough Tavern and Gates' House on West Market Street and Pershing Avenue in Downtown York.

"Nine Months in York Town" is a celebration of the Continental Congress' stay in York from October 1777 through June 1778. During that time, the country's first form of government - The Articles of Confederation -- was adopted by Congress, the first Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued to commemorate the new nation's victory at Saratoga and France officially adopted treaties pledging its support to the American cause.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for adults and children to see how people lived during Colonial times and to learn more about York's dynamic role in shaping a new nation," said Gayle Petty-Johnson, President of the York County Heritage Trust.

The Revolutionary War encampment will bring together re-enactors from Harrisburg and York to portray a company of York Riflemen. Men, women, and children will act as soldiers, camp followers, merchants, town's people and members of Congress. They will be in authentic Colonial-era clothing. The military re-enactors will set up a campsite on the grounds of the reconstructed Court House. The encampment will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee for the encampment or the children's games and story times at the Gates and Plough.

The Barstools, the York County Bar Association's theatrical group, will conduct interactive Colonial era trials with members of the audience in the Colonial Court House on Saturday and Sunday. There is no admission fee to attend the sessions.

On Saturday evening, Tavern Night will feature music, games and foods of the 18th Century. Celebrity pourers will provide "the brew" -- beer and cider - in the courtyard of the Colonial Court House. Musicians and singers Charlie Zahm and Tad Marks will present authentic period music during the evening. There is an admission fee for Tavern Night.

The York County Heritage Trust's traditional Oyster Fest will take place on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the courtyard of the Golden Plough Tavern. Oysters were a popular food in Colonial York. There is no admission fee, but there is a charge for food and drinks.

Information on Colonial Days is available on the "Nine Months in York Town" website by logging on to www.yorkheritage.org and clicking on the Nine Months in York Town logo or by calling the York County Heritage Trust at (717) 848-1587.

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