Celebrate Pennsylvania German Easter traditions and the vibrant folk culture of the region at Easter on the Farm 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23, Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University. Easter on the Farm is a free, fun and educational event for the whole family featuring folklife demonstrations, live musical performances by some of the region’s finest folk musicians, kid’s activities, animals, local folk artists and our annual Easter egg hunts (12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.).
Enjoy exquisite displays of traditional crafts created by local artisans from the the Reading-Berks Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. A children’s craft tent will engage young and old with the region’s holiday traditions.
Experience historical and cultural demonstrations like traditional hearth cooking with Becky Manley and Pennsylvania German baked goods in the woodstove by Terry Berger in the summer kitchen. Don Edris of Iron Oak Creations will demonstrate traditional blacksmithing on a coal forge and Erika Keller and Wendy Grube will demonstrate flax spinning in the farmhouse. Margaret Wright will also demonstrate fiber dyeing over a fire by the summer kitchen.
Take in some live Pennsylvania German music with Keith Brintzenhoff (noon) Chris LaRose (1:30 p.m.) and Dave Kline (3 p.m.). Sarajane Williams of Musiatry will enchant visitors with live harp music throughout the day in the Sharadin Farmhouse.
Satisfy your sweet tooth or enjoy a savory treat from Mattie’s Strudel Haus or enjoy a snack from Perk Up Truck. Meet the fabulous potbellied pigs with Puddin Heartland before you pop by the book stand to find new selections from the Heritage Center’s Annual Publication Series. Enjoy a family-friendly day of fun and entertainment at Easter on the Farm.
While you are out, don’t forget to visit our new headquarters at the DeLight E. Breidegam Building, 15155 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530, to explore our new featured exhibition “Der Alt Dengelschtock: Precision, Frugality, & Cooperation in Pennsylvania Dutch Agricultural Tradition,” which highlights the traditional haymaking and grain harvesting technology of the Pennsylvania Dutch through the folk culture of the old sharpening anvil and associated hand tools.
For more information, including a list of vendors, demonstrators and activities for Easter on the Farm follow ‘PGCHC’ on Facebook, email heritage@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-1589.
Bryan Salvadore, 610-683-4180
