QUEENS — Curious about how people cooked and played in the past? The annual Fall Harvest Festival this Saturday in Jamaica should answer some of your questions.
During the family-friendly event attendees will get to watch a cook dressed in period costume making a traditional American meal over an open fire. They will also learn how to churn butter and make apple cider.
“You will actually get to drink apple cider which is going to be a lot of fun,” said Ritchelle Gilbert of the King Manor Museum, which organizes the free festival.
Kids will also make crafts inspired by autumn, like corn-husk dolls and fall leaf wreaths.
But the festival will also give local families an opportunity to tour the museum and learn about Rufus King, one of the framers and signers of the Constitution, who lived in Jamaica.
"So [people will] not only to experience the activities and what life was like 200 years ago but they will also get to learn about King Manor and Rufus and his family," Gilbert said.
Also on Saturday, Jamaica residents will have a chance to participate in the annual Harvest Festival held at the Jamaica Farmers' Market, only several blocks away. That festival will feature pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making, apple cider giveaway, face painting, baked pie contest and live music.
The Fall Harvest Festival at the King Manor Museum will take place from noon to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 150-3 Jamaica Ave. at Rufus King Park.
The annual Harvest Festival at the Jamaica Farmers' Market will run from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. The market is located on 160th Street, bet. Jamaica and 90th avenues.
