Join us for this traditional celebration of the arrival of Spring with period dancing around the Maypole, games, music, open hearth cooking demonstrations, mortar demonstrations by the 1st Regiment Flying Camp of Lancaster, and guided tours of the mansion (see below). The Equestrian Team from Millersville University will be riding on the ground during the event and demonstrating what they do in competitions. In addition, Meduseld Meadery will have a selection of their hand-crafted meads available for purchase. All outdoor activities are free and open to the public and also weather permitting.
Open House Tours of the mansion will be from 10 am until 3 pm. The mansion closes at 3 pm. There is an admission charge for the Open House Tour. No reservations required. Admission: $5 per person. Free for children 5 and under.
John Piersol McCaskey was among the first to collect and publish songs for the American public in the 19th century. Once McCaskey was able to convince Harper and Brothers publishing company that such song books would sell, his many songbooks sold in the hundreds of thousands and graced parlor pianos throughout the country. With Christmas, McCaskey’s favorite holiday, came a new host of opportunities including compiling a Christmas book, scheduling annual parties and programs for school students, and preserving the songs of the season in his music books. At this colloquium, local author Dolores Parsil will discuss McCaskey’s contributions to American music, love for the Christmas holidays, and uncanny connection to the song Jolly Old St. Nicholas.
