{"id":35467,"date":"2020-09-04T10:10:22","date_gmt":"2020-09-04T14:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=35467"},"modified":"2020-09-04T10:10:30","modified_gmt":"2020-09-04T14:10:30","slug":"what-to-do-a-few-labor-day-events-survive-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=35467","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: A few Labor Day events survive COVID"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, <em>Entertainment Editor, The Times\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/LudwigsCorner.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-12436\" src=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/LudwigsCorner-350x246.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"246\" \/><\/a>Hard as it is to believe, we\u2019ve arrived at Labor Day Weekend &#8212; the weekend when summer unofficially draws to a close.<\/p>\n<p>But wait \u2013 did we even have a summer?<\/p>\n<p>We had summer weather \u2013 heat waves, high humidity, random thunderstorms &#8212; but not much else. COVID-19 took care of that.<\/p>\n<p>One thing that seemed would never change about the Labor Day Weekend was the longevity of the annual events staged on the last holiday weekend of the summer. Many of the area\u2019s annual Labor Day Weekend events have been held continuously for 40 years or longer. <!--more--><\/p>\n<p>The various family events were popular, and they were here to stay \u2013 or so it seemed. It\u2019s 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic wiped all of them out.<\/p>\n<p>The 148th Annual Cannstatter Volksfest in Philadelphia \u2013 gone.<\/p>\n<p>The 113th Arden Town Fair in Arden, Delaware \u2013 gone.<\/p>\n<p>The 56th Annual Duryea Day in Boyertown &#8212; gone.<\/p>\n<p>The 55th Annual Polish Festival at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown \u2013 gone.<\/p>\n<p>The 49th Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival in Woodstown, New Jersey \u2013 gone.<\/p>\n<p>The 42nd Annual Long\u2019s Park Art &amp; Craft Festival in Lancaster \u2013 gone.<\/p>\n<p>The 33rd Annual Heart of Lancaster County Arts and Crafts Show in Lancaster &#8212; gone.<\/p>\n<p>The ultra-popular Chaddsford Winery\u2019s \u201cLabor Day Jazz Festival\u201d \u2013 gone.<\/p>\n<p>The Ninth Annual \u201cSplatterfest\u201d at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville \u2013 gone.<\/p>\n<p>The hugely popular Ninth Annual \u201cMade in America\u201d Festival in Philadelphia \u2013 gone.<\/p>\n<p>However, there are a few traditional events that have survived \u2013 more or less.<\/p>\n<p>The Ludwig\u2019s Corner Horse Show (Routes 100 and 401, Bucktown, 610-458-3344, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ludwigshorseshow.com\/\">www.ludwigshorseshow.com<\/a>) is in elevated status near the top of the list of the Chester County\u2019s longest-running annual Labor Day Weekend events.<\/p>\n<p>The show, which is held at Ludwig\u2019s Corner Horse Show Grounds, has passed its diamond anniversary. The 2020 edition of the show, which is the 77th annual staging of the event, will be held September 5-7 at its long-time site in the northern part of Chester County.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike in the past, the three-day event will not feature a variety of fun activities. Families will not be able to enjoy rides, vendors, face-painting, hayrides, live music, games, food concessions and children\u2019s games.<\/p>\n<p>In July, the LCHSA Board of Directors made the following announcement &#8212;<\/p>\n<p>The 77th Annual Ludwig\u2019s Corner Horse Show is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, September 5-7.\u00a0 Regrettably, the Country Fair component will not be held, and we are making plans to go forward with just the Horse Show component. The horse show is not open to the general public\/spectators. The traditional Labor Day Car Show has been rescheduled for Sunday, September 13.<br \/>\nAs such, the horse show is open only to competitors, trainers, owners, grooms, support staff &amp; show officials. The safety and welfare of our exhibitors, show staff, officials and volunteers is our top priority. Non-registered persons will be asked to leave the grounds. We will be applying\u00a0best practices\u00a0as put forth by USEF for equestrian competition.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/240px-Allentown_Fair_Logo.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12437 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/240px-Allentown_Fair_Logo-350x198.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"198\" \/><\/a>\u201cThe Great Allentown Fair\u201d is not being held for the first time since it began in 1852.<\/p>\n<p>According to the fair\u2019s website &#8212; The Allentown Fair in its rich 168-year history has weathered some turbulent times. We look forward to coming back together in 2021 with a greater appreciation of community, agriculture, and celebration. The 2021 fair dates are August 31-September 6.<\/p>\n<p>The website also posted this positive message &#8212; The Great Allentown Fair is giving the community the opportunity to get its fair food fix over Labor Day Weekend.<\/p>\n<p>The \u201cFeast the Fair\u201d event will take place, Friday, September 4 through Labor Day Monday, September 7 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n<p>Favorite \u201cFair Food\u201d vendors will be on the Fairgrounds property outside the Agri~Plex facility serving up all the \u201cFair Food\u201d classics \u2013 to go!<\/p>\n<p>To continue the Fair Preview Night tradition, each attendee is asked to bring a dry or canned good donation to place in the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley collection bin.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/prflogo_large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-12438\" src=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/prflogo_large-350x137.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"137\" \/><\/a>The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (Mount Hope Estate and Winery grounds, Route 72, Cornwall, 717-665-7021, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parenfaire.com\/\">www.parenfaire.com<\/a>) is being staged \u2013 pandemic or not.<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s 40th annual staging of the event, which bills itself as \u201cthe most wondrous event in all the Knowne World\u201d, is running from September 5-November 1.<\/p>\n<p>The 2020 Faire, which features \u201cAdmission By Advance Tickets Only,\u201d posted this message \u2013<\/p>\n<p>Safety Care Measures<\/p>\n<p>We are ready to welcome everyone to Mount Hope Estate &amp; Winery and are working hard to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone. We are implementing new processes and enhanced procedures throughout to help reduce the spread of germs. We&#8217;re all in this together and look to everyone to be respectful of the performers, staff and other guests by being mindful of personal space and individual feelings. We hope that our\u00a0Safety Care Measures\u00a0provides you with essential information for what to do BEFORE you arrive at Mount Hope, what you&#8217;ll experience WHEN you arrive, and how to make the most of your visit. This information will be updated as new policies or procedures are mandated.<br \/>\nPlease Note: Capacity restrictions will be in place and all event tickets will be by reservation only in advance through the\u00a0Online Box Office\u00a0and will be date specific. No tickets will be sold on site the day of the event. No exceptions.<\/p>\n<p>The Faire\u2019s \u201cSafety Care Measures\u201d are the standard \u2013 wear masks, maintain social distancing, wash your hands every 20 minutes, use disposable food utensils, and no smoking in the audience areas.<\/p>\n<p>Every summer, the Faire, which takes place at Mount Hope Estate and Winery\u2019s authentic 35-acre recreation of a 16th-century village in Olde England, features a new story from a different year of England\u2019s past.<\/p>\n<p>Without a doubt, the most popular attraction is the Jousting Arena. Visitors to the Faire flock to Bosworth Field whenever it\u2019s time for the Ultimate Joust. Peasants lead cheers for their favorite knights while musicians pound out a heart-thumping beat. The Master of the List announces the combatants and soon an encounter of royal proportions ensues.<\/p>\n<p>The Faire offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, including listening to bagpipe music, checking out handsome Lords in their colorful silks, watching a jester\u2019s acrobatics, learning how to juggle, being the recipient of a gypsy woman\u2019s flirtations and watching the march of Beefeater Guards.<\/p>\n<p>Guildsmen\u2019s Way is the area that features a large variety of merchants and artisans, including jewelers, candle makers, potters, herbalists, leather smiths, clothiers, and pewter makers &#8212; all offering for sale and demonstrating their ancient wares.<\/p>\n<p>The Faire also featured themed weekends. This weekend\u2019s theme is \u201cGrand Opening.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Visitors are invited to join the Shirefolk and their beloved Majesty, Queen Elizabeth Regina Glorianna, as the they swing wide the Castle Gates and kick off the 40th glorious season of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.<\/p>\n<p>Featured events for \u201cGrand Opening Weekend\u201d are<\/p>\n<p>Featured Event:\u00a0\u201cBest Mask and Costume,\u201d \u201cRecognition of Armed Forces, First Responders and Heroes,\u201d \u201cRenewal of Vows, Friendship Pacts &amp; Remembrance of People that are Lost,\u201d and \u201cChivalry Lessons.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Tickets are $29.95 General Admission; $15.95 Children (5-11); Children 4 and Under Free, No Ticket Required.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12439\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cf-winery.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12439\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12439\" src=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cf-winery-350x246.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"246\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12439\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chaddsford Winery<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.chaddsford.com\/\">www.chaddsford.com<\/a>) won\u2019t be presenting its \u201cLabor Day Jazz Festival\u201d but still can be a weekend destination.<\/p>\n<p>This message is posted on the winery\u2019s website &#8212;<\/p>\n<p>Chaddsford Winery is open for outdoor seating.<\/p>\n<p>We have made many changes to our property and the way we interact with our guests.\u00a0 Please read the following information, as well as our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chaddsford.com\/pages\/health-safety-guidelines\">Health + Safety Guidelines<\/a>, thoroughly before planning your visit.<\/p>\n<p>HOURS:<\/p>\n<p>Friday, Saturday + Sunday : 11 AM &#8211; 6 PM<\/p>\n<p>Last call is 30 minutes before the end of your seating. Only to-go bottle sales are permitted after this time.<\/p>\n<p>Open Rain or Shine with Outdoor Seating Only.\u00a0 Please plan accordingly.<\/p>\n<p>NEW VISITATION POLICIES:<\/p>\n<p>Reservations are strongly encouraged.\u00a0Visitors without a reservation must check in with a host upon arrival and will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited and is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n<p>Due to PA\u2019s Targeted Mitigation Order (7.15.20), any patron who purchases alcohol to consume onsite\u00a0must also purchase a meal during their visit or bring a meal with them. Food will be available from both Chaddsford and a daily visiting food truck.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0maximum group size is 6 people. Your entire party must remain seated at your table while on the property, unless to visit the restroom.<\/p>\n<p>All visitors are\u00a0required to observe our<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chaddsford.com\/pages\/health-safety-guidelines\">Health + Safety Guidelines\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>while on the property<\/p>\n<p>RESERVATIONS:<\/p>\n<p>Make a reservation through<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/resy.com\/cities\/wch\/chaddsford-winery?date=2020-07-03&amp;seats=2\">Resy<\/a>!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There is a\u00a02-hour time limit\u00a0for all tables &#8211; thank you for understanding.<\/p>\n<p>There is a 15-minute grace period for all reservations.\u00a0If you do not arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled time, you forfeit the table.\u00a0Please contact us if you are running late and we will do our best to accommodate you.<\/p>\n<p>WHILE YOU&#8217;RE HERE:<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re pleased to offer you:\u00a0wine by the glass and bottle; PA craft beer; and frozen wine slushies + popsicles.\u00a0 Wine tastings are not available at this time.<\/p>\n<p>A food truck will be on site from 11a.m.-5:30 p.m.\u00a0 If you are consuming alcohol, you are\u00a0required to purchase a meal during your visit or to bring a meal with you<em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Friday: The Munchy Machine<\/p>\n<p>Saturday + Sunday: The Plum Pit Food Truck<\/p>\n<p>Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited and any customer found with it will be required to leave.<\/p>\n<p>Leashed dogs are permitted\u00a0(please clean up after your pet).\u00a0Children under 21 are permitted\u00a0but must be supervised by a parent or guardian and remain seated at the family&#8217;s table.<\/p>\n<p>All visitors are\u00a0required to observe our<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chaddsford.com\/pages\/health-safety-guidelines\">Health + Safety Guidelines<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0while on the property.<\/p>\n<p>So, if you visit Chaddsford Winery, there will be no festival and no music but there will be a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of good vino.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12440\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/mus-amer-rev.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12440\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12440\" src=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/mus-amer-rev-350x233.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"233\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12440\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Museum of the American Revolution<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Museum of the American Revolution (101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amrevmuseum.org\/\">www.amrevmuseum.org<\/a>) officially reopened to the public on September 3. Visitors can rediscover the Revolution with the Museum\u2019s immersive galleries, powerful film experiences, and original artifacts.<\/p>\n<p>To ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience, the Museum has implemented\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/eur05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amrevmuseum.org%2Freopening&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C20f6aa465dca41a69ad308d84eac1f1b%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637345848457562364&amp;sdata=dvDx3zXcYybw1o2Neisk6WcPdNFGAjvWVQOQY9c8H1c%3D&amp;reserved=0\">new health and safety measures<\/a>, including reduced capacity, advance online ticket purchasing, and enhanced sanitizing and cleaning protocols.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout\u00a0Labor Day Weekend, kids can clean out those summer cobwebs and get their brains back in gear with a scavenger hunt in the galleries and a free take-and-make craft kit with a make-your-own whirligig toy, a bookmark, and a Fox and Geese activity sheet.<\/p>\n<p>On its website, the Museum posted the following COVID-19 message \u2013<\/p>\n<p>The Museum is now open! We are excited to welcome you back to rediscover the Revolution. We have deep cleaned our facilities and expanded our health and safety protocols according to recommendations from our local leaders and health officials. Booking tickets online or by phone in advance is recommended.<\/p>\n<p>Capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. To manage capacity, tickets are limited and sold on a timed basis. For guaranteed entry, we recommend that you purchase your admission tickets in advance online or by phone.<\/p>\n<p>The Museum shop is open during the Museum\u2019s operating hours, with reduced capacity. The Third St. entrance will not be available, so all guests must enter through the Museum\u2019s main entrance. The Museum\u2019s\u00a0online shop\u00a0is\u00a0available and offers a wide range of books, gifts, and apparel for all ages.<\/p>\n<p>Cross Keys Caf\u00e9 is now open, with operating hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m. from Thursday-Sunday and holiday Mondays. The Third Street entrance will not be available, so all guests must enter through the Museum\u2019s main entrance. Outdoor seating will be available.<\/p>\n<p>The health and safety of our visitors, staff, and community remains our top priority. Below are many of the new protocols we are implementing. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation during this time as we work together to ensure the safest and most welcoming experience possible for all.<\/p>\n<p>New health and safety protocols include:<\/p>\n<p>Staff and visitors over the age of 5 will be required to wear a mask\/face covering.<\/p>\n<p>Social distancing, of at least 6 feet, between guests, individual family groups, and staff will be enforced.<\/p>\n<p>Advance reservations will be strongly encouraged to facilitate contactless payment.<\/p>\n<p>The number of visitors in the building will be limited, with timed ticketing to help facilitate social distancing.<\/p>\n<p>Capacity in the Museum theaters and in-gallery pocket theaters will be limited.<\/p>\n<p>All public spaces and surfaces will be rigorously cleaned and disinfected throughout the day, and hand-sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the building.<\/p>\n<p>The Museum\u2019s Revolution Place discovery center and Battlefield Theater will remain closed to the public until further notice.<\/p>\n<p>A one-way flow of traffic will be required in the galleries and some other areas.<\/p>\n<p>Interactive touchscreen displays in the galleries will remain available with additional cleaning throughout the day and nearby sanitation stations.<\/p>\n<p>We have added protective barriers in all locations where purchases are made, and tickets are scanned.<\/p>\n<p>All employees will receive advance training on safety protocols and social-distancing procedures developed to protect themselves and Museum visitors, based on guidance from government and public health officials.<\/p>\n<p>Admission to the museum is $21 for adults, $18 for seniors and $13 for youth.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12441\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/new-hope-rr.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12441\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12441\" src=\"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/new-hope-rr-350x196.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"196\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12441\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The New Hope &amp; Ivyland Railroad<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The New Hope &amp; Ivyland Railroad (32 West Bridge St, New Hope, 215- 862-2332,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.newhoperailroad.com\/\">www.newhoperailroad.com<\/a>) ceased operations back in the spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the tourist rail line is ready to resume running its trains. It will officially re-open on September 4.<\/p>\n<p>Riders can enjoy a traditional American railroad experience on a heritage train, departing from the 1891 Witch\u2019s Hat Train Station in New Hope, Pennsylvania. On the \u201cTraditional Excursion,\u201d passengers will take part in a 45-minute, round-trip train ride through scenic Bucks County on the \u201cNew Hope Branch\u201d route, which was originally part of the North-East Pennsylvania Railroad, later the Reading Railroad.<\/p>\n<p>Passengers will ride aboard beautifully restored vintage (early 1900\u2019s) passenger coaches while a narrator will provide them with interesting historical facts and stories of significant cultural locations along the route. The train will travel to Lahaska, Pennsylvania where it will then change direction and return to New Hope.<\/p>\n<p>A variety of seating options are available on the \u201cTradition Excursions\u201d &#8212; \u201cFirst Class Bar Car,\u201d \u201cAntique Seat Coach\u201d or \u201cOpen Air Car.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Coach tickets are $23.99 for adults, $21.99 for children (ages 2-11) and $4.99 for toddlers.<\/p>\n<p>The West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, 610-430-2233,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.westchesterrr.net\/\">www.westchesterrr.net<\/a>) is running its special \u201cSummer Picnic Special\u201d trains every Sunday now through September 22.<\/p>\n<p>The round-trip train ride travels to the village of Glen Mills and back and lasts for 90 minutes. During the brief layover in Glen Mills, riders can explore the historic Pennsylvania Railroad station and have a snack in the railroad\u2019s picnic grove along the Chester Creek.<\/p>\n<p>Riders can order a boxed lunch when they purchase their tickets online. Sandwich choices are ham and cheese hoagies, turkey and cheese hoagies, and PB&amp;J. All lunches, which are made fresh, come with chips, fruit, drink and cookies.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the lunches are packed in a special reusable lunch bag emblazoned with the WCRR logo. Tickets for the train rides are $15 for adults, $13 for children ages 2-12 and free for kids under two.<\/p>\n<p>The Wilmington &amp; Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, <a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwrr.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C36baacff42684861ee3308d706ec514b%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636985484528573221&amp;sdata=tf2Ia%2Flvs2OhQ8Al8yAVKghVfaT4LDcKSs%2FvpXaK6qA%3D&amp;reserved=0\">www.wwrr.com<\/a>) is back up and running with the Mount Cuba Meteor excursion.<\/p>\n<p>You can take a leisurely 1.5-hour round-trip ride up the Red Clay Valley to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove, where you\u2019ll enjoy a 30-minute layover to have a picnic or simply admire the natural surroundings. The Mt. Cuba Meteor excursion is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon outside with family or friends.<\/p>\n<p>This event is powered by one of the railroad\u2019s historic first-generation diesel locomotives.<\/p>\n<p>The Strasburg Railroad (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.strasburgrailroad.com\/\">www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/a>) is \u00a0running its regular trains beginning August 28 and hosting its \u00a0\u201cDay Out With Thomas\u201d event on select dates in September and October.<\/p>\n<p>There is a mutual love affair between kids and Thomas the Tank Engine which is especially evident when Thomas gets up-close and personal with his fans during his visits to the Strasburg Railroad.<\/p>\n<p>Every year, the steam locomotive named Thomas makes several visits to Lancaster County where he entertains enthusiastic children and their parents.<\/p>\n<p>For more than 50 years, Thomas the Tank Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have been favorites of preschoolers and their parents. Based on \u201cThe Railway Series\u201d (classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son), \u201cThomas &amp; Friends\u201d has evolved into a rite of passage that inspires imagination.<\/p>\n<p>Fans will be able to get personal with Thomas the Tank Engine, a full-sized operating steam locomotive who will be talking for the first time ever. And, they will also be able to ride a train pulled by Thomas and meet the locomotive\u2019s buddy Percy.<\/p>\n<p>The tourist rail line\u2019s regular excursion train rides are 45-minutes in length (4.5 miles east and 4.5 miles returning west on the\u00a0same track).<\/p>\n<p>Tickets are $15.50 for adults and $8.50 for children (ages 2-11).<\/p>\n<p>A popular event in Delaware this weekend is \u201cSteamin\u2019 Days\u201d at Auburn Heights Preserve (3000 Creek Road, Yorklyn, Delaware, 302-239-2385,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/auburnheights.org\/\">http:\/\/auburnheights.org<\/a>) on September 1.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSteamin\u2019 Days,\u201d which is held on the first Sunday of the month through November, focuses on steam power.<\/p>\n<p>During \u201cSteamin\u2019\u00a0Days\u00a0at Auburn Heights,\u201d the site is bustling with activity.<\/p>\n<p>Visitors are encouraged to climb into an antique automobile or board one of the trains and experience what it was like to travel at the turn of the 20th century. They can also tour the magnificent 1897 mansion that was home to three generations of the Marshall family.<\/p>\n<p>Also included is entry to the Marshall Steam Museum, which features the world\u2019s largest operating collection of Stanley steam cars along with a 1930s working Lionel electric train display, a hands-on engine display, kids\u2019 activities and exhibits and the\u00a0Museum Gift Shop.<\/p>\n<p>Activities run from 12:30-4:30 p.m. each time.<\/p>\n<p>Advance registration is recommended as capacity will be limited to adhere to current health precautions related to Covid-19.<\/p>\n<p>Tickets are $12 for ages 13 and up and $8 for ages 12 and under, which\u00a0cover all rides and building tours, are $19 (13 and older) and $12 (age 12 and under). This is a \u201cmembers only\u201d event. Memberships cost $40 per year.<\/p>\n<p>The Independence Seaport Museum (211 S. Columbus Boulevard Philadelphia, 215-413-8655, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.phillyseaport.org\/\">www.phillyseaport.org<\/a>) is open again and has a variety of special events on its schedule.<\/p>\n<p>On September 5, it will offer \u201cKayak Excursion to Petty\u2019s Island\u201d from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>This 10-mile\u00a0kayaking excursion\u00a0is for the experienced paddler, and nature lover. The trek will lead to Petty&#8217;s Island, a 292-acre island in the middle of the Delaware River. Cost is $75 per person and you must be 18 years of age to participate.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRemembering V-J Day\u201d got underway on August 31 and is running through this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>Guests are invited to join Independence Seaport Museum during the weekend as it remembers V-J Day.\u00a0 September 2, 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of Japan&#8217;s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri.<\/p>\n<p>The museum will be sharing images, facts, and videos that discus the crucial role submarines played during World War II.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBoatin\u2019 in the Basin\u201d will be offered on September 9 from 4-5 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Participants will be able to boat around the Penn&#8217;s Landing basin in a swan, dragon, flamingo, or duck \u2013 an activity that is billed as \u201cthe perfect socially distant outdoor recreational activity for you and your household.\u00a0\u201c<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBoatin\u2019 in the Basin\u201d\u00a0requires pre-purchased tickets, no walk-up tickets will be available.\u00a0Pricing is per boat and all rentals will be for one hour.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times\u00a0 Hard as it is to believe, we\u2019ve arrived at Labor Day Weekend &#8212; the weekend when summer unofficially draws to a close. But wait \u2013 did we even have a summer? We had summer weather \u2013 heat waves, high humidity, random thunderstorms &#8212; but not much else. COVID-19 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35469,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[5137,6518,6561,11619,9938,7791,12367],"class_list":["post-35467","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-allentown-fair","tag-featured","tag-ludwigs-corner","tag-museum-of-the-american-revolution","tag-new-hope-railroad","tag-renaissance-faire","tag-the-new-hope-ivyland-railroad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35467","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=35467"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35467\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35468,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35467\/revisions\/35468"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/35469"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35467"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}