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1904 Worlds Fair Tribute at the Hearthside House

SUNDAY, JULY 13THA NOSTALGIC TRIBUTE TO THE GREATEST WORLD’S FAIR EVER – 1904 ST. LOUIS On Sunday, July 13th, Lincoln’s Hearthside House Museum is proud to celebrate an important event in our nation's history--the 1904 World's Fair held in St. Louis. In a tribute to this grand Fair, Hearthside will sponsor a special exhibition and festival providing visitors with an understanding of the "Greatest World's Fair ever" and all that it entailed.  The World’s Fair celebrated the Louisiana Purchase a hundred years earlier.  At the Fair, fifty-three nations came together showcasing the world's diverse cultures and all the latest inventions. The festive atmosphere was non-stop. There were carnival type attractions found along the mile-long "Pike," where one could get a "bird's eye view" of the Fair and its gigantic palaces from atop the world's largest Ferris Wheel.  The world was on display and Rhode Island had an important role in it. Hearthside House was the model for the Rhode Island State Building at the St. Louis World’s Fair.  The state was in its heyday, winning recognition for its industrial wonders, educational institutions, and agricultural achievements.  In a tribute to that special time in our nation’s history, Hearthside hosts a day-long celebration.  The grounds surrounding Hearthside will be filled with nostalgic sights and sounds that were found along “The Pike” at the Fair, with a renowned magician performing historic magic acts,  a demo of turn-of-the-century baseball, fashions of the era worn by Hearthside's volunteer staff, lively brass band music, a professional vocalist performing tunes of the era, a reptile show, belly dancing, stiltwalker and juggler, presentation on historic foods from the Fair, and on the old mills of Rhode Island, along with book signings.  Also, old-fashioned games of skill and chance and other amusements. The foods made popular at the Fair, such as hot dogs, cotton candy, iced tea, and iced cream cones will also be available for sale.   The museum hosts a curated World’s Fair exhibit, made possible in part to a grant from the RI Council for the Humanities.  Featured in the exhibit is an operating, table top model of the Giant Observation Wheel.  Admission price includes exhibit, self-guided tour of the house, and all shows and amusements:  $10 general, $8 seniors, $5 ages 10 to 17, children under 10 free.  Hours are from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  For details, call 401-726-0597 or www.hearthsidehouse.org .   Hearthside is located at 677 Great Road (Rt. 123), Lincoln, RI.  Come meet me at the Fair!

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