The Victorian leisure Fair in Beautiful Central New York State

This summer, take a step back in time to the age of innovation and industry that was known as the Victorian Era. Historic Events LLC presents the first Victorian Leisure Fair at the Erie Canal Village in Rome. The Victorian Leisure Fair is scheduled to open July 31 and will run every Saturday and Sunday through September 5.

The Victorian Leisure Faire will be a cultural and entertainment venue with shows, games, shopping, dining, and living history. Sherlock Holmes and other costumed characters will roam the streets interacting with visitors while re-enactors portray daily life in the Victorian era. Original stage shows, such as "The Gilbert and Sullivan Review," and "Peter Pan and Wendy" will be performed live. Ride the steam train or journey down the canal on a horse drawn packet boat. Children will get the opportunity to get knighted when Queen Victoria arrives in the afternoon to tour the fair. With something for each member of the family, The Victorian Leisure Fair is setting out to become the weekend destination for families throughout Central and Upstate New York this summer.

Historic Events LLC is a new entertainment company headed by Edwin R. Williams, a 20 year veteran of the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Southern California. "Owning a fair has always been a dream of mine. I have a great passion for history, and it has been my experience over the years that learning through entertainment is a great way to get both children and adults interested in our past." Drawing inspiration from Civil War reenactments, living history museums and events such as Renaissance and Medieval Fairs, the concept of the nation's first full run Victorian era fair was created. Ed chose the Victorian Era partially because there was so much innovation and diversity, but also because this area of New York is so richly influenced by the architecture of the era.

A great partnership was formed when Historic Events LLC joined forces with The Erie Canal Village as the site to host the Victorian Leisure Fair. "The Erie Canal Village was a perfect fit for us," says Williams, "it came with the perfect backdrop and buildings to tell our tale of a little town being visited by Queen Victoria on her way to Scotland. It also came with an amazingly dedicated staff and volunteers who have embraced our vision and our crew. Together we are working to infuse new life into this enchanting museum."