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Park Commission Press Releases

Hoop Skirts, Lace Collars, and Hand Knitted Shawls are All-the-Rage at Lincoln & Lee’s Ladies Fashion Show
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Everyone loves a great fashion show, but this one has a unique twist. Remember those gorgeous gowns that Scarlett O’Hara wore in the epic movie, Gone With The Wind? This year, Historic Speedwell’s fashion show features charming women’s apparel dating back to the 1850s with Civil War flair, recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Fashion show costumes

Lincoln and Lee’s Ladies Historic Fashion Show, held on Sunday, September 21, takes place in the historic Vail House in Morristown. Models garbed in attire dating before, during, and after the Civil War discuss the impact of the War Between the States on women’s clothing. Take an up-close and personal look at hoop skirts, lace collars, everyday dresses, and hand-knitted shawls. The models discuss interesting and historically accurate daily life during this time period, with fascinating stories highlighting the Vail Family, who lived in the house during the 1860s.

Tours of Historic Speedwell begin at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. Space is limited in the Vail House; guests should preregister to ensure they are included on the tour. The cost for admission to this event is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children. Children under 4 are FREE. For more information or to register for this historic event, call 973.285.6537.
1920s Country Fair & Harvest Festival!
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Come one, come all, to the 1920s Country Fair and Harvest Festival with farm animals, wagon rides around the farm, live music, a variety of tasty food offerings at concession stands, tours of the farmer’s home and the Foster mansion, Charleston dance lessons, wood-burning stove cooking and demos, old fashioned games, and so much more! Join the thousands of visitors who come each year to this spectacular recreated country fair at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township.



 On Sunday, September 14, from 12 noon to 5 p.m., visit all the farm animals, including the Belgian draft horses, Jersey dairy cows, chicken, sheep, and pigs, take a wagon ride or a spin in an antique automobile around the farm. Enjoy live music of the Long Hill String Band, and meet a sidesaddle rider as she explains horse shows at a typical country fair. Lend a hand cider pressing, brush the Jersey cows, crack the corn to feed the chickens, and milk our wooden cow, ‘Woody.’ View authentic farm activities, such as blacksmithing, an antique gasoline engine demonstration, and learn all about beekeeping and honey. Visit the authentic 1920s Farmhouse where the farm foreman once lived, and compare it to the 1854 Gothic revival-style mansion, The Willows, once home to the Foster family, the previous owners of Fosterfields.

No country fair would be complete without fine examples of hand crafts, baked, canned and preserved goods, and floral and vegetable displays. There is so much more to enjoy! Special event fees are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $6 for children ages 4 – 16, and $4 for children ages 2 and 3. FREE for children under age 2 and Friends members, with a current membership. For more information, please call 973.326.7645.

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The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!

Buzz Buzz, Bee in the Know!
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Do you love the sweet taste of honey? Want to learn more about how honey is made, and the irreplaceable role honeybees play in feeding our world through pollination? Visit Fosterfields Living Historical Farm on Sunday, August 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Two knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenters, Joseph Lelinho and Shaun Ananko, enlighten us about the importance of bees and teach all about their busy and dedicated lives.

Joseph Lelinho has operated Hilltop Honey in North Caldwell for the past 20 years. Joe is the co-founder of Bee Bold Apiaries, and provides hives to various corporations. He has recently appeared on the Katie Couric Show, and is delighted to present ‘The Story of the City Bee’ at Fosterfields. Joe will be bringing an observation hive, so you will be able to take an up-close and personal look of the colony including; the female worker bees, the male counterpart drone and the one and only queen. 

Meet Shaun Ananko from Grow It Green Morristown as he shares his knowledge of the life cycle of honeybees and the crucial role they play in feeding our world through pollination. Shaun became immersed in the beekeeping world in 2007, and he currently has beehive sites in Morristown and Mendham. Shaun offers classes, mentoring, and beehive management services throughout Northern New Jersey. Take a beehive inspection with Farmer Shaun, and learn the art of beekeeping from an experienced keeper.

Both Joseph Lelinho and Farmer Shaun will be on-hand to answer all your honeybee questions. Award winning local honey, hand creams, and lip balms will be available for purchase. The fee for this event is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+), $4 for children 4-16, $2 for children 2&3, and FREE for children under age 2 and Friends of Fosterfields and Cooper Gristmill members with a current membership card. Fee includes visitation to the farm. For more information call, 973.326.7645.

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Morris County Park Commission, is one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.