Special to Dorchester Banner/NHPA
The Beale Street Puppeteers will be in the “History Tent” this year at the Nanticoke River Jamboree to take place Oct. 8 at Handsell, Vienna.[/caption] VIENNA — The Nanticoke River Jamboree celebrating the history, culture and natural wonders of the Nanticoke River will be held at Handsell on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Oct. 8 (rain date Oct. 9). Do you like to play Games? Well so did the Native People, the Africans and the colonists. Exhibitors interested in participating this October, please contact us: restorehandsell@gmail.com The Nanticoke Historiac Preservation Alliance (NHPA) hosts of the event wishes to thank the sponsors of the 2016 Nanticoke River Jamboree: including HEAT-1063, NRG Energy; Dorchester Center for the Arts; Healing Hands Animal Hospital in Salisbury; Provident State Bank, The Drug Store in Hurlock. Every year at this all-day family-friendly event, you can learn from and be entertained by our outstanding Living History Performers, paddle along a protected and pristine Eastern Shore creek, ride a bike on country roads and enjoy displays from several nonprofits. In 2016 there is an exciting schedule planned: • The popular “History Tent” this year will highlight the Beale Street Puppeteers with their version of the the historic Punch and Judy Show, along with hands-on puppet making opportunities between shows. • Also featured will be Rachel O’Connell, who trained with and served as Assistant to the “Natural Philosopher,” Dean Howarth. O’Connell will demonstrate many favorite activities such as: trapball, croquet, Game of Graces (hoop toss), Shut the box (dice game), lawn bowling, mirror box, Newtons Inertia toy, tablecloth pull trick, friction tug o war, bed of nails, and singing wine glasses. At the time of this writing, NHPA has also contacted jugglers to participate as well as parlor musicians, such as mandolin players and Kite flyers. • And Featuring this year: The Fairplay Vintage Baseball Club of Talbot: • Paul Gasparo, Leather and Horn Wares. Paul Gasparo demonstrates over an open fire and has created lead dice for GAMES! • Purchase goods and wares to support the restoration of Handsell. Returning to the Jamboree again in 2016 will be representatives from the Pocomoke Indian Nation and other tribal groups from the Eastern Shore Longhouse at Handsell. Come meet the men who constructed this amazing native lodge and hear about the methods used to build it. Walk through this full-size native dwelling house — the children MUST see this! Meet Chief Norris Howard from the Pocomoke Indian Nation and his family. Hear the story of the Native People of DelMarVa. Chief Howard discusses history of the Native People with a Radio reporter. Come see the preserved Handsell Kitchen at the Jamboree! Meet Shirley Jackson, descendant of Charles Jackson who was born a slave in 1814 near Vienna. Also “Voices of the Indiantown,” with audio and visual interviews displayed on a computer of descendants of slaves and sharecroppers of the Indiantown area. See the newly restored Cooking fireplace, floor and interpretive signage. Food will be supplied by “2 Chicks Catering,” a truck full of Eastern Shore favorites including crabcake sandwiches! Have a bite to eat while you visit the History Tent! Environmental Exhibits by groups such as, but not limited to, Dorchester County Citizens for Planned Growth, Dorchester Master Gardeners, and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance. Events are scheduled throughout the day. Admission of $4 per person with Children under 12 FREE, helps defray costs and bring this great event to Dorchester County!