Mac-A-Cheek Castle is open for self-guided tours 10:00 – 5:00; regular admission fees apply.
Visit our Welcome Table ~ Buy a Membership to save money on Castle Tickets.
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Get in the mood for your modern 4th of July by enjoying historical holiday customs at this FREE outdoor event at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek June 30, 2024, 11:00 – 4:00
Schedule for the Grand Celebration!
All Day Games They Used to Play, Let’s Play Exhibit & Activity Tent
Look for directions on and exhibit sign titled, Let’s Play!
11:00-1:00 Cricket, Featuring Tom Melville (weather permitting)
1:30-3:30 Learn to play the game first regarded as America’s favorite pastime.
11:00-3:00 Making 1880s Daylight Firecrackers, Syd Crowden or Faith Jones
Create “Thunderbolts” and “Flying Whirls” following instructions in the Handy Books for Boys and Girls published in the 1880s.
11:00-1:45 Cake Contest – Sharon Maylum, Sandy Lemming, Cake Tent
Vote for your favorite decorated cake by putting (current currency) in the box next to it. The cake with the most votes wins the Citizen’s Prize. The Most Historical Prize will be given for the cake most similar to a 1800s cake. Best July 4th Theme Cake will win the 3rd prize. Winners announced at 3:45 p.m.
1:45 Enjoy a piece of Independence Cake … while they last. Donate a hefty price for a slender slice to help support this event.
Throughout the Day – Presenters will take short breaks from time to time.
A Revolutionary Confection – Lori Roberts
Discover who published the first American Cookbook in 1796 as you enjoy a delightful book for children called, Independence Cake by Deborah Hopkinson and Giselle Potter.
The recipe for the Cake might be a surprise!
I Declare! – Sandy Lemming
Mrs. Emma Sturgis Longwood will be strolling the grounds seeking opinions of other fine ladies and gentlemen regarding the 1848 Declaration of Sentiments, women’s rights and what actions should be taken in that regard.
Venerable Veterans – Bud Maylum
Interact with a living history interpreter representing a Civil War Veteran.
12:45, 2:45 1860s Musket Firing Demonstration
The Committee of Arrangements Presents, Large Tent
1:00, 3:00 “Peter Pepperton’s Fourth o’ July Triumph,”
Participate as the citizens who cheer during this short humorous story about July 4th Celebration
in West Liberty, Ohio in 1840. Written by Donn Piatt in 1888, the story is introduced by
Margaret Piatt, performed by Josh Cain, Simon Mescher, Talan Simpsa, Tom Smith and the
audience. Isaac Napier will represent the Brass Band from Fountain.
2:00 Reading of the Declaration of Independence – John Lemming
Ending the Celebration with a Flourish!
3:30 – 4:00 Awarding Prizes & Flying Fancies, lawn facing Castle balconies
Choptanks’s Last Charge, Independence Day Sendoff at the canon!
