Whether you're native to the Pennsylvania-German area that we call our "Four County Corner of the Commonwealth" or a transplant, you will enjoy a trip to the Antes Plantation this week for 52^nd Annual Goschenhoppen Folk Festival.

            The Festival will be held this Friday, from noon to 8: p.m. and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The Antes Plantation is located at 318 Colonial Road in Perkiomenville, PA. 

            The house, built by Henry Antes in 1739, became the home of his son, Col. Frederick Antes, and served as General George Washington's Headquarters from September 22 – 26 in 1777.

            A walk among the grounds visiting the various exhibiters, trades-persons, and merchants, in period clothing lets you mind go back a century or two.  You can see, hear, and experience the intricacies of everyday people with extraordinary skills that were considered normal. 

            A time when people produced things to an exactness that machines and computers do today – albeit, a bit slower.  But the fact that they could and did gives one a better appreciation for the folks that settled the area. 

            A personal favorite of this writer is always the food.  From the baked goods and other goodies at the various vendor stands, to the summer sausage, ham, or sausage sandwiches; corn-pie, salads, vegetable soup, funnel cakes, apples, and peaches (with or without ice cream); the list goes on and everything is "es bescht" – the best.

            The stage programs, held on both days, are entertaining and educational.  And, what could beat the s ight of festival participants merging for the "Grand Fantastical Parade" each day.  People in period costumes, some carrying or leading farm animals, others toting the tools or products of their craft, led by marchers in Revolutionary War era garb.

            Take the opportunity this Friday or Saturday to be both entertained and enlightened.  The Goschenhoppen Historians work to preserve the culture of the Pennsylvania-Germans who settled the region so that present and future generations will have the opportunity to learn about it – and from it.

            In the words of the Historians, "All those wishing to spend a day of pleasure should not fail to attend as nothing will be left undone to make this a grand affair.  Everybody is cordially invited."

            The theme for this year's Festival is "Gemacht von Hand" (Made by Hand).  Machines and computers may do it faster today, but great-great-grandma and great-great grandpa and their parents and grandparents did just fine (and sometimes even better) with just their hands.

            See you at the Goschenhoppen Folk Festival.