The sixth annual May Fair is set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brearley House, located at the end of Meadow Road.
By:Lea Kahn Staff Writer
The may pole is up and the dancers are ready to celebrate May Fair on Saturday, which is the Lawrence Historical Society’s annual celebration of spring held at the township-owned Brearley House.
The sixth annual May Fair, which features pony rides and a puppet show in addition to the dancers, is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Brearley House is located at the end of Meadow Road, off Princeton Pike.
There is no rain date.
"May Fair is a celebration of spring," said Janet Bickal, president of the Lawrence Historical Society. "It’s just a really old custom."
The May Fair will be held in the Great Meadow next to the 18th-century Brearley House, Ms. Bickal said. The fair is free, but there is a $3 parking fee for historical society members and a $5 parking charge for non-members.
Brownie Girl Scouts from troops 1709 and 785 will dance around the May Pole, following the 10 a.m. opening of May Fair. Mayor Michael Powers will present flowers to the young dancers when they finish their dances.
The Brownie Girl Scouts aren’t the only ones who will dance around the MayPole. The Millstone River Morris of Princeton will offer Morris dances around the pole. Morris dances are a form of traditional English folk dancing that dates back to the 14th century.
The Somerset Puppeteers will present a Punch and Judy puppet show three times during the May Fair at 11:15 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., Ms. Bickal said.
Activities also include a re-enactor who will demonstrate his Pennsylvania long rifle, the Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church Quilters will show visitors how to make a quilt and township resident William McCarroll will teach the art of marble paper making.
A musician will play 18th century music in the background, and the Cloverland Live Pony Carousel will provide free, unlimited pony rides for children. Archeologist Rebecca White of Hunter Research will conduct an archeological demonstration in a field near the house.
Refreshments will be available for purchase.
For directions to the Brearley House or to check on rain cancellation, call the Lawrence Historical Society at (609) 895-1782 or (609) 896-0782. Directions also are available on the society’s Web site at www.thelhs.org.

