2010 Schedule

            Town of Western Heritage Days

Friday, June 4, 2010

6:00 PM Opening Ceremony- Library Flagpole
Lighting of the “Heritage Candle”
Retirement of “The Colors”
Join together in the lighting of the “Heritage Candle.” The flame will remain lit throughout the weekend.

6:30 PM “Procession of Illumination”
Heritage candle will be escorted from the Western Library to the Town Park by militia honor guard, fife and drum.

7:30 PM “Grand Illumination” – Town Park Field
A grand fireworks display will celebrate the rich heritage of the Town of Western.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Venues & Camps Open 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Individual venues will have special events throughout the day
Check the venues for specific times

9:30 AM Grand Elevation of “The Colors” -Library
The Honor Guard of the Colonial Militia will raise the colors.

10:00 AM Venues Open

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Lunch on the Lawn - Library Lawn
Take time to enjoy some delicious refreshments in the heart of the festivities.

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 18th Century Toys and Games- Encampment at the William Floyd Center
Join Shari Crawford for a fun-filled look at child’s play, colonial style,. She will also be demonstrating and teaching colonial cooking wit the children.

10:00 AM Faces and Places- The Forge
Early and recent pictures of the Town of Western set to inspirational music. (Approximately 30 minute in duration).

10:00 AM – 3:00PM- Individual Photo Re-enactment- Heritage Lane
Dress in period attire and commemorate your “Heritage Days” experience with a complimentary individual photo.

10:15 AM- Assembly for Inspection and Drilling- Encampment at William Floyd Center continuing at the William Floyd House. See a typical militia training session complete with demonstrations of tactics, ,methods and weapon usage.

11:15 AM Reading of the Declaration of Independence - General William Floyd House

Raising of the Liberty Pole- The Forge
Witness a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Walters from the front steps of the house of one of its signers. Inspired by the words of this powerful document, militia members will lead visitors back to their encampment where a liberty pole will be raised.

12:00 PM Faces and Places- Western Town Hall

12:00- 1:00 PM Colonial Cooking with Chris - Encampment Gen. William Floyd Center
Chris Depta will teach children how to prepare colonial recipes over the campfire. Limit 10. Signup at the Welcome Booth.

1:00 PM Artillery/Musket Demonstration - The Forge

2:00 PM - Faces and Places- Western Town Hall

2:00 PM- Revolutionary Tales- General William Floyd House lawn
A militiaman tells tales about colonial times. Native Americans played a significant role in the Revolution. Listen as a member of the Oneida Nation tells about his culture and his descendant’s contribution to the American quest for independence.

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Turkey Supper - Westernville Presbyterian Church
A Westernville tradition known for its quality, quantity, and hospitality.

3:00 PM Artillery/Musket Demonstration - The Forge

4:00 PM Venues Close

6:45 PM Retirement of “The Colors” -Library Flagpole

7:30 PM PM David and Ginger Hildebrand in Concert - Tent at Heritage Circle
The Town of Western Library presents these nationally recognized and respected musicians in a return visit to Western. Their vocal and instrumental renditions of authentic colonial music will again delight listeners of all ages. The concert is funded by a grant from the Central New York Community Arts Council in conjunction with the NYS Council of the Arts.

Sunday, September 28th

Camps & Venues Open 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

9:45 AM Raising of the Colors - Western Town Library

10:00 AM Assembly to Procession to Worship
Gather at the Library for a morning walk down Main Street to church, accompanied by the local militia.

10:45 AM Colonial Ecumenical Church Service -Westernville Presbyterian Church

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Quilt Show -Town Hall 2nd Floor

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Individual “Photo Re-enactment” - Heritage Circle

11:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch on the Lawn - Library Lawn

1:00 PM Militia Muster -The Forge
Join in and become a part of the formation of a local militia, just like during the Revolution. New “Recruits” will learn about the life and responsibilities of a soldier. Musket demonstrations and strategic marching will be presented and reenacts. Following “training”, the militia will make its public debut with a march on Main Street.

1:45 PM - 3:45 PM Tea Social and Dance - The Forge
Many times in Revolutionary times, following a local muster, members of the militia and family would join together with the townspeople for fun and frolic. Join the newly formed militia for tea and dancing. A dance caller will teach willing participants a number of popular colonial dances.

4:00 PM Closing Ceremony and Extinguishing of the “Heritage Candle”- Library