Waterford Fair

Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit

October 4,5, and 6, 2013

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thank you to our 2012 Fair Sponsors: Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company, Middleburg Bank, Morningside House of Leesburg, Tuscarora Restaurant Group.

The Waterford Fair is the oldest—and best!—juried crafts fair in Virginia. Four-time winner of the county’s “Best Event of the Year,” the historic village of Waterford welcomes fairgoers from around the world each October for three days of living history, food, handicrafts, and just plain fun.

Friends and families, adults and children all delight in lively performances of traditional music and dance; reenactments by Colonial and Civil War-era militia and cavalry; art and photography exhibits, hands-on demonstrations of traditional American crafts by 155 renowned artisans (many nationally known) plus the ever-popular tour of private historic homes.

Young visitors join many of our artisans in making their clay pots and candles, or other early crafts. They are invited to take a lesson from a sword-master, be enchanted by a magician, or charmed by an organ grinder, ride on a country wagon filled with hay, or join the students in a real one-room schoolhouse (used from 1871 until 1957).

A Revolutionary War militia camps in Waterford for the weekend. A fife and drum corps marches through the narrow streets. Civil War soldiers reenact a past battle and demonstrate cavalry training. And there is music everywhere—string bands, troubadours, barbershop, gospel, classical, folk, and traditional.

It is entertainment with a purpose: the historic crafts demonstrated, the music played, the military reenactors, and, of course, the setting in this beautifully preserved National Historic Landmark District—all bring alive the history of an early American village for children of all ages.

Explore these Fair Pages by clicking on the links below (which you also see on the pull-down menu when you click on “Fair” on the bar at the top of this page), and on items on the menu in the right-hand column. And if you don’t find what you seek, phone or email us, and we’ll be happy to help.

Frequently asked questions–and frequently provided answers—are here.

There are private homes on tour each day of our three-day Fair.

Heritage crafts from premier artisans, who demonstrate their skills (and often offer hands-on opportunities for adults and children), fill the village.

Entertainment includes many kinds of music, historical reenactments, a musician, and other exhibits. And then there’s the food.

It’s hard to see it all in a day—here’s where to stay overnight.

Want to exhibit your craft, fine art, photography, or join our legion of volunteers?

Here’s how to enjoy the Fair if you have mobility issues.

All about Fair tickets: where, when, and how to purchase them.

Need more Fair information? Fill out our request form.

Download a Fair brochure.

 

The proceeds from the Fair are used to carry out the Waterford Foundation’s mission of education and preservation.