The remnants of tropical storm Debby didn't stop the festivities at the 56th annual Goschenhoppen Folk Festival. Come rain or shine, the fun-filled family event commenced on August 8th and 9th at the historic Antes Plantation in Perkiomenville.

Madison Fluks from Rome, N.Y, Barb Bloomfield from Philadelphia, Carl  Baron from Gwyned, and Ted Stokes from Oley - known as the Goschen- hoppen Fiddlers - perform during the annual Goschenhoppen Folk Festival.

            The authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival portrays the early life of settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. It also educates on the history of commerce, agriculture, and life skills lost to time. The Folk Fest also provides a visual representation of the early birth of our nation.

            Our area is rich in history that intertwines with the roots of our ancestors and

Amberly Fadden, 6, from Pottstown turns the crank  while her sister Evelyn,4, drops corn into the sheller.  Dwayne Henne, a Boyertown resident, dirrects the girls while Jude Beall, 8, from Doyelstown watches.

country. Multiple industries worked together to lay the framework of our current society. This area was rich in resources and provided settlers a way to survive and generate commerce.

            An example of this was provided by the 18th-century reenactment and demonstration of rifle making. Gary Johnson, of Schwenksville, has been volunteering at the festival for the last six years. Johnson artistically makes reproductions of period-accurate flintlock rifles.

He explained that because this area of Pennsylvania had iron, it played a major role in blacksmithing and forging.

"A rifle would cost a man's yearly salary," noted Johnson.

This helps put the importance of a rifle into perspective. It was a tool that helped to ensure survival. It provided a means to provide protein-rich food sources as well as protection.

            Iron manufacturing grew exponentially from a single forge in 1716 to over 200

Above, Elijah (4), Ryder (12), and Judah Dietterich (6) play checkers.  Below, Pat Gottshalk, from Buck- ingham. explains how to make A.P. cake.

charcoal furnaces across the commonwealth by 1840. This expansion was in response to a growing demand and widening of markets.

            Around 1790, Thomas Rutter and various partners opened the colony's first furnace. The Colebrookdale Furnace produced high-quality iron efficiently.

            This emerging industry helped lay the foundation for our independence from England. As colonists became more proficient and skilled, England wanted colonists to give their resources to the Crown. England would then sell goods back to the settlers.

            In true rebel spirit, the colonists responded, "We make the stuff, you buy it," explained Gary Johnson.

            Agriculture was also an important aspect to the settlers. By the 19th century, major advancements had been made to make farming a little easier and a major contributor to commerce in the area.

            The festival has a great display of farm tools, hay wagons, tills and a live demonstration of a horse-powered grain thresher.

            The Ellis Keystone Agricultural Works were located in Pottstown and remained in operation into the 20th century. The threshers were a major advancement in harvesting wheat and other grains.

            Other tools on display were period-accurate hay rakes, scythes, grain cradles

Mattie Jacobs, from Salem, NJ, holds Elenora Lom- bardo, 1, who is dropping flour into the dough being made by Thomas Daley, 7, from Jim Thorpe.

and wagons. One of the wagons even displayed the name of the Monroe Snyder Flour Mill that was once located in Palm.

            Every year the Goschenhoppen Folk Festival has something to offer. The event is an enriching and educating experience that offers something for everyone. Good people, good food and history make for an incredible activity. It's worth attending every single year.