18th Century Market Fair at Locust Grove

“Hear ye hear ye may I have your attention please.” If you’re looking for something unique to do this weekend I have the perfect event for you. St. Matthews’ Historic Locust Grove is hosting an 18th Century Market Fair to feed all your American culture history needs. The Market Fair will give both adults and children an amusing look back at a time in American life when jugglers and traditional sea songs were the days entertainment, candle making was a top job, and military battles were complex and hand to hand. This weekend’s event will give visitors a chance to see what life in the 18th century would be like from many different standpoints.

The 18th Century Market Fair will take place at historic Locust Grove Saturday October 27th and Sunday October 28th. Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark located just outside the Indian Hills neighborhood. Locust Grove was established in 1790, and was home to the founder of Louisville, George Rogers Clark. The Georgian Mansion on Locust Grove’s campus has been beautifully restored and is available for tours. Locust Grove Locust Grove offers 55 acres of grounds to explore, hosts events, public and private, and attracts visitors year round. The Indian Hills community which is home to Locust Grove is steeped in Southern history itself. Originally named the “Indian Hill Stock Farm” in 1872 and one of the largest horse farms in Kentucky, Indian Hills holds still shows evidence of it’s original farming roots today. The Georgian Style Veech House at 125 Indian Hills Trail, and Spring House at 119 Arrowhead Rd are still standing from the original Farm, and add historical relevance and Southern charm to the neighborhood.

Some of the events from the Locust Grove 18th Century Market Fair include mock battles, excellent period food, games, jugglers, traditional Celtic music, dancers, and even a period doctor who you can visit to cure you with treatments of the time period. Traditional fare includes a rustic homemade stew and cornbread as well as hand crafted wine and ales. Visitors will also have the chance to shop for 18th Century furniture, clothing, and period style candles. No matter what you are interested in, whether it be the battles, food, music, or shopping, there will be something at the market for you.

Not only is this weekends event going to be something unique to be a part of, but it could not be held at a better time. Locust Grove is on my top five list of places to go to appreciate the Fall foliage. If watching the mock battles is not your thing, then take a stroll around the grounds of Locust Grove. Right now is the perfect time to see the variety of hues of the trees and admire the falling leaves.  

The 18th Century Market fair runs from 10:00am to 4:30pm each day and is $6 for adults and $3 for children.  For a complete list of the days events go to www.locustgrove.org/marketfair.html.