HARMONY, Pa. – Harmony Museum’s Dankfest Aug. 24-25 always concentrates on the unique history of the community founded in 1804 by German separatists and resettled in 1815 by Mennonites.
This year’s event will help focus attention on Legion ViIle, located in Beaver County.
Also, visitors can view vintage autos in the town diamond and vote for daily award winners.
Craft artisans. The heart of Dankfest is presentation of authentic pioneer crafts as well as historical exhibits, tours, family entertainment and food including sausages, potato pancakes, homemade pies and root beer.
Most craft artists will be working on the grounds of the museum and Franz family log houses on Mercer Street.
Others, such as quilters, as well as a chicken barbecue dinner, will be found in the museum’s Stewart Hall.
Museum and National Historic Landmark District walking tours are offered on daily schedules.
Visitors can also browse for various edibles at the farmers market, food booths and several shops. There also will be a drawing for a quilt made by museum volunteers.
A Legion Ville Historical Society reenactment group encampment will show a drama about the new Legion of the United States, trained under Maj. Gen. “Mad” Anthony Wayne.
Antique and classic cars will be exhibited in the diamond Aug. 24 and will include models made in Butler County. Sports cars, mostly European, will be shown Aug. 25.
Children can try their hand at pioneer crafts, and help chip concrete from a section of rail from the Pittsburgh, Harmony, Butler and New Castle railroad.
Dankfest parking and admission is free, with small fees for tours.
Hours for are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 24, and noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 25.
Harmony is off of Interstate 79 on exits 87 and 88, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. Follow the Historic District and Dankfest signs.
For more information, contact the Harmony Museum at 888-821-4822.
