For our first post we wanted to do something topical. As many of you know, this weekend was Mother's Day. Kelly
suggested that we visit the Mother's Day Street Fair in York City PA (as she knew it) which was actually called "The 36th annual Olde York Street Fair, which in fact does claim to celebrate Mother's Day, so I can understand the confusion. In any case, we set out Sunday afternoon, after visiting our mothers of course, for the "36th annual Olde York Street Fair Mother's Day Walk Around With Loads of Strange People Buying Random things Festival" (I came up with my own name since it seemed like the thing to do).

Food vendors and merchants of all sorts were present and like most fairs,
carnivals, and festivals there was live music as well. So many talented local people come out to perform at these sorts of events, it's really something to see. Unlike some festivals, this one has a specific "Kid's Corner" which is great for the restless little ones, and is a great way to have some mother/child themed fun! However, what really struck me about this event was not an explosion of mother directed gratitude, but the beauty of downtown York. I've been down West
Market St. many times, yet not till yesterday was I aware of just how beautiful it could be. My memories of that area are filled will honking cars, lousy traffic, and the occasional visit to the pawn shop. To see the the street completely shut down allowing only foot traffic (lots of foot traffic(estemated over ten thousand attended)), vendors pedaling their wares, called to mind why the street was originally named "Market".


This part of York holds exceptional historical significance. Founded in 1741 York (or Yorktown as it was known then) served as the temporary capital of our nation during the Revolutionary War. The Articles of Confederation were drafted here during that time, and so, this being the first official document naming our country as the "United States of America", many pro-York historians have claimed that York was indeed our nation's first capital. In truth, it falls closer to fourth, after
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Lancaster. Still, the historical significance cannot be denied when you stand in front of, or even inside of, the Golden Plough Tavern, which stands much today as it did then. Here the Conway Cabal (a plot to remove George Washington from power) is said to have originated.


Fascinating historical facts aside, the chance to see this part of the city stripped bare of its usual modern adornments is at lest worth the several minute walk to get there from whatever parking you can find. In many ways this fair is exactly like every other fair you've ever been too, but it's focus on family fun and the things that make York great, set it apart from most. So if you are in mood to get out and enjoy a stroll with the family in an atmosphere that can be described as both historic and festive, this is your spot!

FOR DIRECTIONS click here

This Event runs 1 day : 12:30- 6PM On Mother's Day

WARNINGS: Bring Sunscreen! If you have small children, bring strollers... FOR ALL OF THEM. Large crowds (although well Policed).

FUN RATING: 6 out of 10