Welcome to the 2017 Homestead Fair!
A Festival of Crafts, Homesteading Skills & Family Fun
Hayrides • Food • Live Demonstrations • Seminars • Make-Your-Own • Music • And More!
Preparations are underway for the 30th annual Homestead Fair on Thanksgiving weekend.
This 2-day central Texas event, hosted by Homestead Heritage and The Ploughshare Institute for Sustainable Culture, has something for everyone – young and old alike.
Located just north of Waco, the Fair is an annual tradition for many, who return year after year with family and friends from near and far.
“Our goal is to provide a wholesome, educational, fun-filled environment for families and folks of all ages,” explained Fair director Josiah Wheeler. “Those in every generation find something of interest in our wide variety of activities.”
Popular features at the Fair include:
- Make-Your-Own projects
- Live music each afternoon and evening
- Sheepdog herding demonstration
- 18th century timber-frame barn raising & auction
“We’re not a living history event,” Wheeler went on to say, “but an exposition that celebrates the viability of a real, working family homestead in today’s world. We want to teach, encourage and inspire everybody as to the value of traditional homesteading crafts, skills and ways.”
The Fair spans several acres. You’ll find live demonstrations and displays throughout the Fairgrounds including the craft pavilion, agricultural fields and gardens, farm animal area, Craft Village shops and restored historic buildings. You’ll need several hours to see it all, so plan to spend the day.
“We’re expecting quite an increase in attendance this year,” commented Wheeler. “Each year we look for ways to accommodate our growing number of visitors, and this year we have a surprise in store for everybody – a new food pavilion complete with a new food court and extended seating. “
Located near the center of the Fairgrounds, a restored clear-story timber-frame stands as the center of the new food pavilion. Made-from-scratch specialty foods, beverages, desserts and snacks will served from it continually throughout the Fair.
Last year saw overflow attendance at the hourly seminars.
Popular topics included Homesteading – An Option for Our Times, Sustainable Gardening, Beekeeping, Steps to Raising Poultry, Water Essentials and Kitchen Cheese Making.
Shoppers will find a vast variety of handcrafted items for sale in the Craft Pavilion and Crafts Village shops – from metalwork, pottery, leatherwork and woodwork to spinning, weaving, sewing, quilting, candle and soap making, basket making, and more.
Horse-drawn hayrides and carriage tours operate both days. Children’s activities include a hay maze, farm animal petting pen and a mini-barn raising in addition to dozens of make-your own projects.
Plan ahead using the Activities (See listings in the Activities menu) and Schedule of Events online.
There is no admission fee, and your parking pass is valid for the whole Fair.
As the Fair draws near, check the website for a map of the Fairground a well as schedules, menus, listings of events, seminars and activities.
See you at the Fair!
. . . . .
What — Homestead Craft Fair
When — 9 am to 9 pm – Nov 24 & 25 (Fri & Sat)
Where — 608 Dry Creek Road, Waco, TX 76705
Contact — www.HomesteadFair.com • 254.754.9600
Cost — No admission fee.
Parking pass — $10 at the gate, $7 online in advance, good for both days
