Flag Day: A Colonial Faire & Ice Cream Social
June 14 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Step back in time for a festive America250 celebration that’s sure to bring smiles to the whole family! The Colonial Faire and Ice Cream Social was organized by the DAR and Historic Vienna, Inc., in partnership with Vienna250, Fairfax250 and the Town of Vienna. The event commemorates Flag Day and two important milestones in American flag history: the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Continental Colors and the 249th anniversary of the 1777 Stars and Stripes, adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The event is free and open to the public.
Guests of all ages will enjoy colonial-era demonstrations and hands-on activities, including a farm animal petting zoo, children’s military drills, colonial games, crafts, lacemakers, wood carvers, gardening, quill pen writing, and invisible ink demonstrations. A highlight of the day will be the arrival of George and Martha Washington at 1pm, followed by a parade to the Town of Vienna Stage and a special Flag Day history presentation introducing Martha Washington and welcoming General George Washington. The afternoon will conclude with a festive ice cream social beginning at 3pm.
The 1776 Continental Colors, also known as the Grand Union Flag, was one of the earliest flags used by American forces during the Revolutionary War. The 1777 Stars and Stripes introduced the enduring design of thirteen stripes and thirteen stars representing the new United States. The Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), will provide the Color Guard. Two Vienna Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapters and the Society of First African Families of English America will also participate, helping bring local and early American history to life.
Participants: Fairfax County Chapter, DAR; Maria Mitchell Chapter, DAR; Fairfax Resolves Chapter, SAR; Society of First African Families of English America; North American Vexillological Association (Flag Expertise)
Activities include:
- Fairfax Resolves SAR Color Guard (Sons of the American Revolution)
- Flag Day history presentation
- George and Martha Washington reenactors
- Fairfax Parks & Recreation educational display and living history exhibits
- Children’s games and colonial military drills
- Craft activities for children led by DAR chapters
- Free Ice Cream at 3pm provided by our sponsor, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
- Petting Zoo from Leesburg Farm Animals
- History demos: wood carvers, lace making demonstrations and more
- Used book sale featuring America250
EVENT SCHEDULE
12noon Event begins
12:15 Children’s Military Drill
1:00 Arrival of George and Martha Washington
1:15 Parade to the Town Green Stage
1:40 Flag Day History & Introduction of Martha and George Washington
2:30 Children Military Drill
3:00 Ice Cream Social begins, featuring Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Location: Freeman Store & Museum Lawn and Vienna Town Green
The Little Library Museum, Train Depot and Caboose will be open for families to enjoy.
Rain or Shine event
