Enjoying Old Fashioned Sunday at the Pruyn House

Did anyone notice that summer took a break this weekend? I don't know about you, but I wasn't sad to feel chilly, or turn on the fireplace or switch to long pants....even if it's only temporary.  The timing couldn't have been better since today was the 35th annual Old Fashioned Sunday at the Pruyn House in Latham, NY.  If you've never been, I hope my blog post will encourage you to check it out next year.  This was our second time at Old Fashioned Sunday, although we are regular visitors and have featured the Pruyn House here on the blog a few times.  Today's event was jam-packed with all sorts of fun things, including many things to show the kids what things were like in the 'old days' and plenty of fun stuff for the adults to enjoy too.

We went with our granddaughters, daughter and son-in-law.  When I tell you there was a lot of fun stuff to do, I'm not kidding.  We arrived at 12:40 and never left till the very end....4:00pm.  Even then, we didn't see/participate in everything. 
Always a favorite for us is the sheep shearing!  We are always amazed at how docile and cooperative the sheep are during this process....probably because they're over this hot weather too!

Before and After Sheep

Helderberg Blacksmiths were on hand demonstrating their trade....

And then there was the very fascinating Grondahl's Wizard Workskop where children could assist in the making of their very own wish wand!  Mommies can help too!  I've never been inside of a wizard's shop, but I'm pretty sure this one was as authentic and cool as they get!

 Of course any day.....old fashioned or not, is a good day for animals.  What kid do you know who doesn't beg for a pony ride?

A real crowd pleaser was Jim Snack, Magician Extraordinaire!  Jim had the crowd riveted as he did one trick after another, delighting kids and adults all afternoon. 

There was an artist doing caricatures...

 And Jennifer Sweeney doing face painting.....also a big crowd collector.  We attempted that line about 4 different times before we finally stayed long enough to get through to the end, but it was worth it!  I give Jennifer the medal of patience and I'd give a nickel to know how many faces she painted today.  I know it was a lot....single handedly, patiently, elaborately and never once looking or acting tired.

 There were three different musical groups providing entertainment - The Centennial Brass Choir, the Town of Colonie Band and the South Colonie Friends of Music Band.  All three were wonderful and  the music was at precisely the right volume - loud enough to hear all throughout the grounds, but quiet enough to converse - all throughout the grounds.  There were many vendors too.  I was busy doing kid stuff, so I'm sorry I didn't get pictures of them all.  Here are just a few!

There was delicious food...sorry no photos, you'll have to trust me. The Kiwanis folks were grilling delicious hot dogs and burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, and there was ice cream from Emack & Bolio's.  I never made it to the schoolhouse for the storytelling but we did see Pete the Cat strolling through the crowd at one point.  Whether you were looking to pick up some fresh cut floral bouquets, some gourds and pumpkins, some jam or honey, a mum or two or three, framed art by local artists or goat milk soap (by Sweet Rama), there was no shortage of things to buy and do at the Pruyn House.  And the best part.....admission was free!  So were the pony rides and face painting, caricatures and entertainment!  How many times do you find family activities like that?  Add on some cool autumn weather and the day is perfect.  Thank you Pruyn House for such a wonderful family activity...for 35 years.  If you aren't familiar with the Pruyn House, you really must check it out.  Even when there is no activity going on, you can tour the beautiful historic estate, come for their summer concert series, visit during the holidays for the greens sale and to see the house decorated for Christmas.  I promise you'll wonder how you've missed it till now.  For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/Pruyn-House or http://www.pruynhouse.org/

Thanks for coming along on our adventures at Life As I See It.  We don't get fancy, and we don't get exotic or travel far, but we sure enjoy life in our little neck of the woods.  I hope this blog encourages you to do a little exploring of your own!  

My favorite sidekick!