COLONIAL DAYS OCTOBER 19-20
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT, TAVERN GAMES AND OYSTERS GALORE

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

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

"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 Richard Banz, who will portray Adjutant to his Excellency General Horatio Gates during Colonial Days. Banz is the Chief Curator of Collections and Interpretation 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, dressed in authentic Colonial-era clothing, will act as soldiers, camp followers, merchants, town's people and members of Congress. 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 Bar Stools, the York County Bar Association's theatrical group, will perform the original comedy "First Capitol?" in the Colonial Courthouse on Saturday and Sunday. There is no admission fee. Great Country 107.7 WGTY is the media sponsor of Colonial Days.

On Saturday evening, Tavern Night will feature music, games and foods of the 18th Century in the courtyard of the Colonial Courthouse. Musicians Charlie Zahm and Tad Marks will present authentic period music during the evening. The $10 admission fee for Tavern Night includes one free beverage and a souvenir mug. Tickets are available in advance at the York County Heritage Trust. 98 YCR York's Hottest Music is the media sponsor of Tavern Night.

The York County Heritage Trust's traditional Oyster Festival will take place on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm in the courtyard of the Golden Plough Tavern. There is no admission fee, but there is a charge for food and drinks. WSBA AM 910 York's News Talk Radio is the media sponsor for the Oyster Festival.

"Nine Months in York Town" is a celebration of the Continental Congress' stay in York from October 1777 through June 1778. Information on Colonial Days and other events 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 848-1587.

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