The Town WhereThe Idea Of America Took Root (NAPSA)—This year, many Americans plan to visit a town where the seeds of the Revolution were sown and nurtured, and where the idea of America took root. These travelers will vacation in a town that changed the world—Colonial Williamsburg, the restored 18th century capital of Virginia. A variety of dynamic programs and family activities will transport young and old alike back in time to one of the most important settings in America. This year, Colonial Williamsburg’s costumed trades-people at nearly 20 sites throughout the 301-acre Historic Area join guests to assist them in their 18th-century trades, whether shoemaking, basket weavingor silversmithing. In addition, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and other Founding Fathers will engage guests with compelling discussions on such diverse topics as democracy, slavery, fashion, marriage and the “Mother Country” (England). The popular Fifes and Drums, Colonial Williamsburg’s musical ambassadors, have an expanded presence in 20038, appearing regu- larly throughout the Historic Area in such programsas daily marches, the Art of Fifing and Drumming, a 20- to 30-minute program that interprets the daily duties of the musicians, and Military Music on Market Square, where guests will learn about the music and marching associated with one of Colonial Williamsburg’s most beloved programs. Reinforcing the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s educational mission of helping the future learn from the past, there ost ot a % Dynamic programs and family activities transport young and old back to an important time in Americanhistory. has been a 50 percent increase in children’s programs. Children now have more opportunities to partici- pate in colonial activities such as making stitch books, playing hoops and mastering the ever-popular bilbo catcher, a colonial ball-andcup gameofskill. In 20038, there are a variety of special multi-day events, including seasonal gardeningactivities, July Fourth celebrations, two special military re-enactor weekends, and Grand Illumination in December, which officially begins Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday season. In addition, cultural events will include the Virginia Arts Festival over Memorial Day weekend and the Virginia Symphony’s Seventh Annual Beethoven Festival from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. For more information and reservations, call toll-free (800) HISTORYor visit www.Colonial Williamsburg.com.
