Victor Victorian

As you know, Ms. Day loves all manner of things that are old-fashioned and fancy. Lately, she's even gotten in the habit of donning white gloves and sitting under a pear tree to read on her days off. She's got to say, she looks just as pretty as a picture relaxing under those boughs! But, alas, she's grown tired of the solitude, so in honor of the holiday weekend, she's going to grab her parasol and venture out — she's going to pay a visit to the Jersey County Victorian Festival at the Hazel Dell Farm (on Route 67, one mile north of Jerseyville, Illinois; 618-498-5590 or www.greatriverroad.com/vicfest.htm). At this weekend-long fair (it runs from Saturday through Monday, September 5 through 7), she'll browse the antiques, she'll tour the historic Fulkerson Mansion & Farm Museum (open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), and she'll gracefully board a stagecoach for a bit of a jaunt — hopefully, hers won't be the coach held up by the James Gang, but you just never know. If Lady Day survives the ride, and if she's feeling saucy, she might even tap her toes to the sounds of the Chris Talley Bluegrass Band, playing the festival from 1:30 to 5 p.m. daily. Of course, the fest offers plenty of activities to suit the interests of other folks as well: There are Civil War-era reenactments and embalming demonstrations, a duel of honor and the Gettysburg Address presented by President Lincoln — in other words, it should be one historical, fanciful good time for all! To partake, join Day out at the farm; the fest opens at 7 a.m. each day, and admission costs $2 to $8 (parking is free).
Sept. 5-7, 2009