Lafayette to celebrate historic district
LAFAYETTE — Lafayette will celebrate its historic distict from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday with a street fair and open house at the Ludlum-Mabee House.
Restoration of the Ludlum-Mabee House, formerly the municipal building on Route 15, has been a long-term museum project of the Lafayette Center Preservation Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation of Lafayette's historical legacy.
Informal tours will be conducted at the Ludlum-Mabee House and historian Alex Everitt will answer questions about the historic district and conduct a walking tour of the area at 2 p.m. Outside, near the banks of the Paulenskill River, the North Jersey Antique Engine Club will provide exhibits and activities, and a wool-spinning demonstration will be among the additional features.
The historic district, a cluster of busy antiques and specialty shops, all housed in historic, pre-20th century buildings, will join in the fun, as each business features special outdoor presentations and sales.
At the Lafayette Mill, 20 vendors will join the 55 regular dealers for a flea market, and Fuzzy Nation, a specialty pet boutique located in the old vaudeville theater, will host a pet adoption day to benefit the Wantage Animal Shelter, Father John's Animal House, and One Step Closer Animal Rescue. A pet beauty contest and gourmet dog-food tasting will be presented by Pawsitively Living, also a local Lafayette Business. There will be additional exhibits by Antler Ridge Animal Sanctuary and the SPCA.
Sweet Pea's will feature a specialty painting "deminar" as Patti and Bill Bruterri demonstrate painting methods using Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan to restate and repurpose antique and vintage furniture pieces.
A wine-tasting by Cava Winery will be held at Applewood Antiques in the afternoon, and the festivities at the Mill will conclude with a 4 p.m. rock concert at the covered bridge, featuring Denise Kyles and Voodoo Child. Spectators are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
Among the activities in the shops that line Route 15, Lafayette's "Main Street:" An outdoor exhibit of painted home and garden furniture will be featured at Rose Petal Porch. Special sidewalk sales will be conducted at The Chocolate Goat, and Knook and Kranny will present merchandise with a nautical theme.
Cottage Charm, tucked in next to the Ludlum-Mabee House will offer salvaged objects repurposed as garden decorations.
At Twice Treasured, visitors will find face painting, wire-wrap artistry, a brewery exhibit by Lafayette's local craft brewer, Angry Erik Brewery, crepes and baked treats by the Cupcake Café, and a sidewalk sale by Jo's Junk.
On the corner of Route 15 and Morris Farm Road, now known locally as "Lafayette Crossing," Black Pony Antiques will display heirloom quilts for sale.
Adjacent to the Lafayette Mill, Cona's Antiques will display an art and garden decorations and Lafayette Auto Parts, housed on the old creamery property, will host a show of autos, trucks, tractors and motorcycles.
A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, May 18.