Faigoers of all ages may attend the 81st Waterford Fair, held by The Waterford Foundation, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and this weekend. The Fair is a quintessential Americana event to attend this fall, packed full of activities, vendors and sights to see.
“I love the atmosphere of the Waterford Fair and the people,” junior Dru Donahue said.
Highlighting local artisans and vendors is the focus of the majority of the fair, with the Foundation requirement that their work must adhere to traditional methods and demonstrate high quality craftsmanship. Within the booths, Landmark Artisans can be found. These artisans have participated in the fair for years and demonstrate remarkable consistency in their crafts. The full list of vendors and artisans can be found here.
In addition to the booths, attendees looking for a more interactive experience can visit the exhibits and demonstrations. Some highlights from the exhibits and demonstrations are a sheep shearing demonstration, the African American Experience of Waterford Display and the exploration of an 1880s classroom.
Another experience for fairgoers is the Historic Homes Tours. In this event, Waterford home-owners open their historical abodes for attendees to tour, giving guests the opportunity to marvel at beautiful architecture and appreciate the history of the area. A list of homes open for touring this year can be found here.
To add to the ambience of the already incredible environment, live music and entertainment will fill the streets of Waterford throughout the entire weekend. Highlights include the Dance Academy of Loudoun, the Old Dominion Chorus and the Celtic Rhythm School of Dance.
Additionally, there is no shortage of things to eat and drink. The Waterford Fair will have traditional fair food, including a gyro stand, kettle corn and ice cream. For those looking for more locally focused food options, many local farms will be selling food at the fair.
“My favorite experience [at the Waterford fair] is volunteering at the bake shop,” Donahue said.
If all of these activities and dining options sound appealing, tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be bought on Eventeny. They are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and youth (13-21) and free to children under 12. For particularly enthusiastic fairgoers, a 3-day pass can be purchased for $65. Tickets don’t have to be bought in advance — they can be bought at the gate — but buying them online will speed up the process and cut down on wait times.
