Having a fit can be fun this summer in Roxbury
Be a vintage "extra" in heritage tourism Saturdays
Ever fancied being an extra in one of those elegant period dramas or time travel action movies? Well, your casting call has come this summer: you can be a part of an immersive historical tourism experience for the Town of Roxbury and sashay (or swagger) in your 19th century best.
On three special heritage Saturdays (May 26, July 7 and September 1-2), the entire hamlet of Roxbury will host "Railride into Yesteryear." Folks will arrive in town by train, walk or ride a horse drawn coach to various destinations, and watch vintage base ball in Kirkside Park. The Town of Roxbury's Park Department will ensure that they have a truly "transporting" experience right down to every detail: food, fun, and exhibits will capture "all the agreeable pursuits of 1898." There'll be no traffic to dodge except the foot and hoof variety. Vendors in 19thc market carts will line Bridge Street selling their wares, from fine handmade crafts to savouries and maybe even some snake oil.
The Labor Day "Turn of the Century Days" weekend will be especially chock full of fun, with the traditional Harry M. Keator Vintage Base Ball Tournament drawing the best vintage teams and base ball fans from all across the Northeast. Roxbury will be "bustling" all weekend long, in more ways than one.
Spats are optional
You (and your family) can play a crucial role in the success
and "ambience" of
these tourism Saturdays with little effort by simply dressing for the occasion
and joining in the fun: Roxbury "couturiers" will supply the costume — from
there, you and yours are free to enjoy an afternoon of fun while actively
contributing to a successfully immersive "trip" for visitors. Children
are more than welcome to be a part of the day and there will be plenty of
old-fashioned children's games and crafts to entertain them. You needn't
spent the day panting in a corset or woolen knickers either: the inventory
of authentic wear includes humble, homespun and haute, so you can choose
your comfort level.
Vendors are also invited to contact the Parks Department discuss "vintage" business opportunities on heritage weekends. It's a great occasion to reach a sophisticated and discerning new customer base with your crafts or Catskills-based enterprises.
Contact Roxbury's doyen of vintage fashion, kwalker@roxburyny.com, to find the perfect fit for your trip to the "good ole days." You'll have a grand time, do a good turn, all while looking like a fashion plate! Vendors and volunteers, you can also contact the Roxbury Parks Department at eventinfo@roxburyny.com or 607 326-7056 to discuss your perfect role in the "Railride into Yesteryear." Funders include Preserve America and the O'Connor Foundation.