Historic Bristol Day 2013

by Cate Murway

The 37th Annual Historic Bristol Day, sponsored by the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation on Saturday, October 19th, is featuring the legacy of the Delaware Canal. The canal was an integral and instrumental part of the history of the town, an important pioneering transportation method. Jeanette Ann “Jan” Ruano and Kathleen “Kathy” Barniskis are the event co-chairs.

BCHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving over 3 centuries of Bristol's history and increasing cultural opportunities for all residents of the community, promoting pride which translates into helping and enhancing the treasure that has been inherited.

This FREE 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. festival event is the perfect opportunity to stroll, shop or dine within historic Bristol on the Delaware, the oldest town in Bucks County, incorporated as a borough in 1720. It is the third oldest town in Pennsylvania. Come early and plan to stay for awhile.

What’s Happening & Where?

Along the River:

Food vendors – all day

Entertainment at the Gazebo

Bucks Mont Squires of Song, 11:30 & 12:30

Craig Satchell Quartet, 1:30 & 2:30

Sailing Regatta, 1:00 to 3:00

3:30 Award ceremony at Gazebo

“10 Minute Canal Talks” – Wharf, 11:00, 1:00, 3:00

Children’s Coal Toss Game & Photography Board

Along Radcliffe Street –all day

National Penn Bank – Sagolla exhibit

BCHF Bake Sale Table

Riverside Theatre – Free tour & Selling gelato

220 Radcliffe Street –Canal pictorial & “Canal Chat”

Bristol First United Methodist Church Quilt display, stained glass windows (at Market & Cedar)

Quaker meetinghouse Colonial Cooking–(Market & Wood)

Bristol Borough Area Active Adult Center (Wood St.) – Free food & entertainment

St. James the Greater Episcopal Church (225 Walnut)- food sales, tour, self-guided Cemetery Tour and Flea Market

BCHF Salable & Raffle Table – all day

Especially for the Kids: Dusty & Patticakes –11:30 to 12:30 & Stilt walker – 12:00 to 3:00

Further along Radcliffe Street

Grundy Library –all day

Canal Pictorial & Presenter: Sarah Berg – 11:00 & 1:00

“The Delaware Canal” Grundy Museum – all day

St. Mark Cemetery – Students’ Portrayal of deceased Bristolians, 12:00

Canal Works Area

At Snyder-Girotti School Children’s’ Corner – all day

Make & Take, canal memorabilia

Car Show – all day

Canal pictorial & artisans’ sale

At Canal Works’ Porches “Spiced Punch” – canal songs, 11:00, 12:30, 2:30

Canal Capt., John Hummel 1st person portrayal courtesy of PHC– 1:30

Grundy Rec Center –all day

More around town:

Walking tours – (docent led)

Wharf to Lagoon – leaves 11:00

Lagoon (Green Lane) to Wharf – Leaves 2:15

FREE Shuttle Service from Wharf to Canal Works for activities including Snyder Girotti School & Car Show. Also stops at RR station (parking),

Tickets required for House Tour & TEA House Tour & TEA tickets sold at: Bristol Wharf, BCHF Salable Table & Canal Works, Adults-$12.00 Children- (6-12) $6.00

Look for Interpretative Bike Tour Riders Between 10 and 11 AM. Pre-registration required.

Free Buggy Ride Along Canal 11:00 to 3:00 at Amish Market

Read more about Bristol's rich history & the day's festivities on Cate's blog.