July 26th - 28th, 2012

Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities Available

contact bradfordhouse@verizon.net or 724-222-3604

 

Free to the Public in Historic Downtown Washington, PA

~still in the planning stage so check back often for more details~

 

The Whiskey Rebellion Festival celebrates the heritage and unique character of the region by focusing on the historical significance of the Whiskey Rebellion. The history of the rebellion is unique to Western Pennsylvania and primarily Washington County, and the festival honors this significant event through reenactments, historical interpretations, family activities, heritage music and food. Community focused entertainment combines with nationally renowned artists to create a festival that acknowledges the past, celebrates the present and looks toward the future.      

The Whiskey Rebellion Festival is committed to creating a prosperous future for the region by raising awareness and badly needed funding for important, worthwhile local projects. The initial benefactor of the festival's efforts is the Main Street Farmers Market in downtown Washington, with funds raised in support of its goal of creating a year round structure for the market, the city and the region.

    Three Days of Events:

Thursday, July 26, 3-6 PM 

The Main Street Farmers Market

Join the Market, this year's recipient of festival proceeds, on opening night! Participate in a
health fair and Farmers Market Top Chef Contest w/ celebrity chefs, and enjoy a special concert
performed by the Washington Symphony Orchestra.

 

The Market offers the finest and freshest locally grown produce (both organic and local farm-grown); choice meats, eggs, and dairy products; and excellent prepared foods – fresh-baked bread, pastas, salsas, and more.

 

 

 

Friday, July 27, 5-10 pm

 

Community Night Blues, Brews & BBQ

 

Community Night keeps the spotlight on downtown Washington.  The Whiskey Rebellion Happy Hour brings the festival theme to local bars and restaraunts.  The Main Street Blues Concert follows with music from local/regional blues artists, local barbecue and local libations.

 

Whiskey Rebellion "Li'l Gray Jug" BBQ Contest

Attendees savor a wide variety of outstanding barbecue from local and regional barbecue masters as they compete for the "Li'l Gray Jug" 1st place trophy and cash prizes.

 

Friday, July 27th at 6 PM 

The Whiskey Rebellion Dinner

Community Night also features the must attend Whiskey Rebellion Dinner, a reception and dinner benefiting the David Bradford House Museum, home of one of the leaders of the Whiskey Rebellion.  The Whiskey Festival History and Art Show moves into the George Washington Hotel Friday evening for an exclusive preview for Dinner guests.

 

 

 

Saturday, July 28th from 10AM to 11PM 

The Whiskey Rebellion Festival

The festivities begin with the Whiskey Rebellion Festival Community Parade, featuring military units, first responders, marching bands, re-enactors, civic organizations, local businesses, and lots of surprises.

 The Whiskey Rebellion Festival then gets underway! Festival goers step back in time to the 18^th century with re-enactors from the 1^st Virginia Regiment, Trent's Company, Ohio Company and Wayne's Fourth Sub-Region. The historic and beautiful homes of David Bradford and Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne welcome visitors for tours, demonstrations, and hands on heritage activities such as blacksmithing, spinning, weaving and log hewing. 

Festivalgoers can sample 18th-century drinks at the Bloody Dirk Tavern and learn about frontier distilling. Historic crafts, handmade collectibles and one of a kind souvenirs will be on sale at the Whiskey Rebellion Mercantile tent.  

Street theater captured the attention of last year's festival goers with live cannon and musket fire, a reenactment of tar and feathering and an argument that was settled with a duel.  The 2012 Whiskey Rebellion Festival will feature this and more, sure to captivate the audience. 

Carriage rides to Swearingen's militia encampment, frontier cooking and learning to Step Dance will be just a few of the many activities to partake in throughout the day.

 

Saturday July 30th Schedule of Events:

~ still in the planning stage~ 

The Whiskey Rebellion Community Parade at 10 am

Sponsored by the Washington Business District Authority and the City of Washington
Featuring military organizations, historical societies and re-enactors, area businesses, first responders, bands, Scouts, local and regional dignitaries, marching units and lots of surprises.

The Whiskey Rebellion Festival from 11 am to 6 pm
~Step back into the 18th century and talk with historical re-enactors from Trents Company, 1st Virginia Regiment, Ohio company and Wayne's Fourth Sub Legion.

~Learn about the areas Whiskey Rebellion sites including Woodville Plantation, Oliver Miller Homestead, Friendship Hill and more.

~Tour the historic and beautiful homes of David Bradford and Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne.

~Watch and participate in 18th-century military drills. Learn how log cabins were built. Participate in family and children's activities.

~See demonstrations of Scottish country dance, 18th-century weapons, log hewing, spinning, weaving and textile dying. Watch a blacksmith at work.

~Try a sample of 18th-century drink at the Bloody Dirk Tavern and learn about frontier distilling. Shop for historic crafts and souvenirs at the Mercantile.

~Experience live cannon and musket fire. Witness a reenactment of tar and feathering and watch as an argument is settled with a duel.

~Take a carriage ride to Swearigen's militia encampment. Experience frontier cooking. Learn to Step Dance and much more.

~A special area will be set aside for kids activities; to include a coloring contest, 18th Century games, drilling with local reenactment groups, a chance to enlist in Wayne's Legion, and experience 18th Century Household activities.

 

The Whiskey Rebellion Festival Big Concert (tba)

The Big Concert features special performance by nationally renowned acts (TBA) and local up and coming country heritage groups. 

The Whiskey Rebellion Festival Fireworks at 10 pm

Stars leave the stage as the skies over downtown Washington are set ablaze with a fantastic fireworks show!

 

Ongoing Activities Throughout the Day

*Whiskey Rebellion Heritage Tent & Music Festival ~ Heritage country music performers play under the festival main tent throughout the day.

*Festival Heritage Children's Area ~ Children and families will be engaged in heritage activities such as frontier games, kids military muster, heritage arts and crafts, face painting, costumes, photos and a petting zoo!

*Whiskey Rebellion "Li'l Gray Jug" BBQ Contest ~ Attendees savor a wide variety of outstanding barbecue from local and regional barbecue masters as they compete for the "Li'l Gray Jug" 1st place trophy and cash prizes.

 

 

The Whiskey Rebellion Festival is Coordinated by

The David Bradford House