Courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum
Photo One: Youngsters partake in patriotic presidential silhouette-making at Billings Farm & Museum.
Photo Two: The sack race competitions are always a favorite activity to muster up giggles at Billings Farm & Museum’s Independence Day celebration.
Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m. — WOODSTOCK — Celebrate Billings Farm & Museum’s “Old Vermont 4th” on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., featuring traditional music, flag-making, hand cranked ice cream, horse-drawn wagon rides, patriotic speeches, and debate. A special feature will be the continuous showing of “The Making of Liberty,” a 55-minute documentary by internationally recognized filmmaker Charles Guggenheim.
Throughout the day, families may make their own 43-star flags (the flag of 1890), Uncle Sam bookmarks, presidential silhouettes, fireworks stencils, and compete in sack races, crank fresh strawberry ice cream, and enjoy a wagon ride.
Debates and speeches have played a key role in the Independence Day observance, as was the reading of the Declaration of Independence, which will occur at noon. At 1 p.m., there will be a women’s debate: “Should practice in Athletic Games form a part of every system of education?” Adults and older students can test their 19th century vocabulary skills in spirited spelling bees.
The dramatic documentary, “The Making of Liberty,” which tells the story of Statue of Liberty – from her conception in 1868 to her restoration and rededication on 1986 – will be shown on the hour in the visitor center theater.
Admission: adults, $14; age 62 and over, $13; children 5-15, $8; age 3-4, $4; 2 and under, free. Admission includes all activities and programs, plus the operating dairy farm, farm life exhibits, and the restored and furnished 1890 Farm House.
The Billings Farm & Museum is located one-half mile north of the Woodstock village green on Vermont Route 12. For further information: 802/457-2355 or www.billingsfarm.org.
