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Dauphin County to host FREE Fort Hunter Day Festival September 15

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Dauphin County's historic Fort Hunter Park

August 28, 2019

Usher in fall at Fort Hunter Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Dauphin County's historic Fort Hunter Park, north of Harrisburg.



 This annual festival, sponsored by M&T Bank, celebrates the past and simple family pleasures with children’s crafts, games, activities, an arts and crafts show, demonstrations of 18th and 19th century life, tours of Fort Hunter Mansion, strolling musicians, pony rides and hayrides in a scenic outdoor setting.  

Archaeologists from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will be excavating in the side yard of the Mansion as they continue to look for evidence of the old 1750s Fort Hunter.

As a Victorian bicycle weaves through the day, the Gent’s Night Out Barbershop Quartet and a bagpiper will stroll the grounds. 


Old-time crafts such as bee keeping, rug hooking, apple butter making, woodworking, cooking and wool spinning will introduce the visitor to 18th and 19th century life. Antique Tractors and machinery will also be on display. The African-American Quilters Gathering of Harrisburg will be presenting a quilt exhibit of their work. Visitors can participate in a guided walking tour to the McAllister Cemetery and learn about the historic McAllister family, who owned the Fort Hunter estate and turned it into a successful plantation. Other crowd favorites are the soft-pretzel vendors and apple cider samples. A wide range of foods will also be on hand for purchase. 

On the Corncrib Stage, a variety of musical entertainment will be presented in partnership with the Susquehanna Folk Music Society. The Susquehanna Folk Music Society will host a jam session at 10 a.m. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy local folk music with Cumberland Honey and Three Dollar Suit.  At 2 p.m., Troy Engle and the Southern Skies round out the entertainment. The Heckton Church will also have live music this year with The Saint Thomas Dulcimers and James Thorn with folk music. 


All attractions are free of charge, except for Mansion tours, some children’s crafts and food. 

Fort Hunter Park is located at 5300 N. Front St., six miles north of downtown Harrisburg. For more information about Fort Hunter Day, please visit www.DauphinCounty.org or call 717-599-5751.  

Connect with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at Facebook.com/DauphinCountyParksRecreation and Twitter.com/DauphinParksRec