Today’s edition of Friday Photos brings you images from 1992-1996 of kids activities downtown. Although not quite Independence Day events, most of the photos were taken at the 1994 Children’s Heritage Festival, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of Winchester’s founding. Sharp eyed viewers will spot familiar faces like Roy Nester, Micheal Foreman, and Pat Zontine among the adults.
The event, which was held May 14, 1994, was geared to living history and colonial-era hands on activities. The Patuxent Living History Group reenacted the life of trappers and skinners at George Washington’s Headquarters, while the Cedar Creek Indian Horse Club was on hand the show their ponies and paint faces. Judge Robert K. Woltz led a mock trial from the colonial era in the Old Frederick County Court House. For those looking for more hands-on activities, the Winchester Girl Scouts helped guests make five colonial toys and the Belle Grove Quilters demonstrated how to stencil and quilt. No birthday celebration would have been complete without cake, and Michael Foreman, as the Chairman of the Commemorative Commission, led the birthday party complete with cake and beverages. Through it all, Roy Nester as Town Crier announced the upcoming events.
Other activities which were not recorded in these photos included the Kurtz Building exhibit on “James Wood and the Founding of Winchester,” a heritage poster contest, colonial storytelling at Handley Library, costumed guided walking tours of Old Town, an 18th century puppet show, Daniel Morgan folk dancers directed by Beth Huddleston, and a fashion show of period costumes.