2019 Margaretta Days Festival and Crafts Fair
Don’t miss the 15th Annual Margaretta Days Festival and Crafts Fair on Saturday, June 15, 2019 on the Green Commons at the University of Maine Machias Campus in Machias, Maine from 10 am to 3 pm. The Margaretta Days Festival and Crafts Fair celebrates the American Revolution Downeast, specifically the Battle of the Margaretta, the first Naval Battle of the American Revolution, the beginning of the US Merchant Marines, and the Battle of the Rim. This annual festival in Machias, Maine was named one of Yankee Magazine’s 2010 Top 20 Events which encourages everyone to enjoy travelling back in time to life in 1775. It’s a lot of fun with a bit of history thrown in. History comes alive with an encampment of soldier re-enactors and period demonstrations.
Century Market Fair at Locust Grove
Reenactors of all levels are welcome to participate in sharing the history of the first Naval battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1775 when the local men seized the HMS Margaretta.
Military, militia and civilian reenactors, all authentically dressed for the period, include farmers, trappers, hunters, sailors, traders, lumbermen, soldiers, minister, and four of Maine’s Indian tribes.
At the Margaretta Days Festival and Crafts Fair you might watch a skirmish between the redcoats and patriots. You might visit the trappers, timber framers, blacksmith, woodworkers, weavers, spinner. You could experience what it’s like to throw a tomahawk or toss an antler. Then watch the children’s activities: cornhusk dollmaking, hoop-rolling, and more. Be sure to taste the period food: moose or venison stew, meat pies, beans, cornbread, and fruit pies to name a few. Enjoy live period music; listen to the stories of our heroes: Jeremiah O’Brien, Hannah Weston, Rev. Lyons, Passamaquoddy Chief Jean Baptiste Neptune. It will be a day the whole family will enjoy and remember for years to come.
Public Welcome – Free Admission
The second Saturday of every June the Margaretta Days Festival and Crafts Fair begins with a breakfast at our local American Legion, followed by the 10:00 parade to the festival. The day concludes with a bean supper at the Masonic Hall. History, food, games, shopping! Handicapped accessible, fun for the whole family and admission to the Festival is free!
American Legion Post 9 Hosts Margaretta Days Breakfast
As in all prior years, the Ephraim Johnson American Legion Post 9 is hosting a Margaretta Days breakfast, kicking off the historic occasion in the county seat. Post 9, one of the town’s largest and most loyal community contributors, donates thousands every year to the Machias area, including its food pantries, scholarships and donations to needy children and families. The breakfast at the post will run from 7-9 a.m. on Saturday, featuring blueberry pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage and muffins. Drop by and get Margaretta Days Festival and Crafts Fair off to a great start!
Saturday Parade
After the pancake breakfast, a parade of pomp and circumstance begins as people gather and proceed to a hill in the distance. Walking together are the sons and daughters of the American Revolution, and in these roles represent those that fought and died for a young country. Native American tribal leaders, state and local dignitaries, costumed reenactors of patriots, citizens and children aboard replicas of ships join the ranks. It is a procession accompanied by flags, musket shot, drums and fife that fill the air with patriotism as it moves up College Hill toward the reenactor encampments, games, activities, and crafters on the Green Commons at the University of Maine Machias Campus
Showing Your Goods at the Crafts Fair
All booths are on a first come, first served basis and are 12’ by 12.’ You provide your own tent, tables, chairs, etc. There is no electricity or water available. There will be port-a-potties and in case of rain we can move into a University building.. Set-up is 8 am and take-down 3:00 pm. Our only requirement is that the items you sell are handmade or hand-painted (your own prints are acceptable). The Machias Historical Society and the University of Maine at Machias are not responsible for lost or damaged products.
Saturday Schedule
Times are approximate and Subject to change.
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast at Court Street Legion Hall (non-smoking/small fee)
9:30 a.m. – Laying of Wreath at Courthouse by the Sons of the American Revolution
10:00 a.m. – Parade from Helen’s to University of Maine at Machias
After Parade at UMM until 3:00 p.m. – Colonial Day on the Mall at UMM.
Reenactors’ and Native American Encampments, Acadia Frontiersmen, Blacksmith, Trappers, Timber
framers, Weavers, Quilting, Bushcrafters, Antler Toss Competition, Tomahawk Throw, Children’s
Activities, U.S. Post Office Station-Special Stamp cancellation, Period food featuring Meat Pies, Deer/Moose Stew, Baked Beans, and Fruit Pies; Rotary Hot Dog Stand, Historical Society Tables, Contemporary Artists & Crafters
11:30 a.m. – Live Music
Noon – Welcome & Introductions
2:00 p.m. – Live Music
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Special event program: Check Facebook page for updates.
Margaretta Days Festival and Crafts Fair
Rain or Shine Event
In case of rain the crafters will be sheltered in Torrey Hall. (Please refer to the top yellow arrow on the campus map.) And the patriots and Acadia Frontiersmen are tough and will be in their tents.
Camping: Reenactor Encampments available upon request.
Location
University of Maine Machias Campus
Green Commons
Machias, ME 04654
For More Information:
Machias Historical Society: (207) 255-3433 carlenemholmes@yahoo.com
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the next Margaretta Days Festival and Crafts Fair on the second Saturday in June on the Green Commons at the University of Maine Machias Campus in Machias, Maine.
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