Taste Beers of the Past at Blueberry Festival

It will be a weekend of Colonial history, crafts, music and, of course, delicious desserts as Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites celebrates “The Sweetest Festival of the Summer,” the 2013 Blueberry Festival Saturday and Sunday at Burnside Plantation.

New to the festival this year for beer lovers is a Pints of the Past Tasting Tent, where you can enjoy the taste and texture of a variety of historic beers locally crafted by Brew Works in Bethlehem.

There will also be a colonial brewing demonstration by award-winning local brewer Chris Bowen. Guests will also be treated to tastings of Blueberry Bliss Wine and other favorites by Franklin Hill Vineyards.

The festival at the 6.6 acre Farm in the City will continue to feature the attractions that have made it a local favorite in years past.

Experience a tour of James Burnside's colonial home and barns, summer kitchen and stroll through the colonial gardens. Young and old can catch the hoop in a rousing game of graces, tackle Jacobs Ladder and take in the sweet smells from the Dessert Tent. Kids can enjoy crafts and colonial costume dress-up, make a bluebird house and of course, the Blueberry Pie-Eating Contest for all ages.

The festival includes more than 30 crafters, including wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, homemade blueberry specialties, and festival tee-shirts. Items purchased at the festival support local vendors and the Historic Bethlehem Partnership’s mission to preserve 20 historic structures including two National Historic Landmarks and 300-plus years of history.

Demonstrations include wood turning, painting and, new to 2013, is Horses for Hope and a lecture on the newest National Historic Landmark District in Pennsylvania, Historic Moravian Bethlehem.

Children can experience life on a farm through colonial crafts and games, a petting zoo, and pony rides. There will also be strolling performers, including Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus and Wahoo Medicine Show.

All young participants will have the opportunity to participant in Back to Your Roots hands-on activities and will receive a complimentary member card for future programs.

Guides in period dress will be available for tours of the James Burnside colonial house, barns and garden. The tours share the stories behind colonial farming and James Burnside, a Moravian missionary and county representative.

Watch colonial cooking in action at the Summer Kitchen. The Foodways team will be cooking and sharing the experience of chocolate and farm-to-table practices in the 1800s.

Blueberry pies, strudel, coffee cake, ice cream and more will be for sale in the popular Dessert Tent, a staple of the annual festival.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days. Burnside Plantation is located at 1461 Schoenersville Road. Parking is available in the shadow of Martin Tower, entrance off Eighth Avenue.

2013 Festival pricing as follows:

• Adult $8.00 (1 day), $10.00 (2 days)
• Adult General Admission and Entrance to Pints of the Past Tasting Tent $12 per day
• Senior $7.00 (1 day), $9.00 (2 days)
• Youth, 6-16 $4.00 (1 day), $5.00 (2 days)
• Children ages 5 and under Free
• Active military / reserves $3.00 off
• HBP member w/ card $1.00 off