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Turn of the Century Days Wants You!

Roxbury's annual Labor Day 1898 extravaganza needs old-fashioned people power

Activities for Turn of the Century DaysRoxbury's Turn of the Century Days has grown into a weekend long immersive trip into 1890s Catskills life, culture, music, and sport. With Preserve America heritage tourism funding this year and its ever-expanding two-day vintage base ball tournament, the Labor Day holiday Victorian transformation of Roxbury now involves scores of volunteers from all walks of life and invites dozens of community organizations each year to get on board the horse-drawn wagon for the ride.

Whether your interests lie in fashion, food, architecture, history, sports, crafts, children, or you're just a person who likes to organize people, things or events, Turn of the Century Days offers engaging ways to put your talents to work. You can take satisfaction in knowing that your efforts will help bring revenue, visitors, positive press and untold goodwill to our corner of the Catskills.

"We've kicked Turn of the Century Days up about ten notches this year," said Roxbury Parks Director Peg Ellsworth. "And I was frank at our most recent organizational meeting that this event is not just bigger than one person, it's even outgrown our dedicated core troupe of volunteer diehards." While Ellsworth has tested organizers to help lead some areas, such as base ball tournament logistics, historic hamlet house tours, children's activities, and the vintage fashion show and period costuming, each and every one of those "agreeable pursuits" has grown in scope and ambition.

The hamlet received major recognition for the quality of its heritage tourism last year with the Preserve America designation from the White House and this year won a Preserve America competitive grant award. That $40,000 grant (which also has to be matched) must be used constructively over the course of several years to enhance the capital infrastructure of Roxbury's heritage tourism and to fund its depth and quality: more research into historic homes, for example, and to develop comprehensive walking and driving tours. More students will be able to receive in-depth training as docents to guide visitors through homes and museum exhibits. Authentic market carts and carriages will further help "transport" visitors into an authentic 19th century The participatory power of volunteers is truly what makes Turn of the Century THE historical and tourism event each year for this hamletexperience, and more collaboration with related tourist ventures, such as the Delaware and Ulster Railroad, are all part of that growth.

"Although the funding is in place to help us out this year, the participatory power of volunteers is truly what makes Turn of the Century THE historical and tourism event each year for this hamlet," noted Ellsworth. "Local history buffs, craftspeople, even those who are simply charmed by the ideal of recreating 19th century mountain life will all enjoy being a part of Turn of Century Days long before Labor Day rolls around. Music at turn of the Century DaysWe have an 1898 newspaper to research, create and sell. We have period clothing to coordinate and we especially need folks to coordinate with participating organizations to make sure they get the support they need to be totally authentic on the day: truly the volunteer opportunities here range over almost any skill set or interest you can imagine," said Ellsworth, adding, "and our volunteers also know they're making a contribution to the economic viability of our area and helping all our local businesses and service professionals gain exposure too."

If all or one of the "agreeable pursuits of 1898" is calling you, contact the Roxbury Parks Department at 607-326-3722 to find out how you can get involved. As always, roxburyny.com will keep you up to date on all the latest developments and schedules as Roxbury 1898 comes to life once again!

4 women dressed in vintage costumesVolunteer options are as follows