Wayside Inn Hosts Colonial Faire & Muster

At least 5,000 people took a trip back to the Revolutionary War period as the hosted the Colonial Faire and Muster of Fyfe and Drums on Saturday. 

"It's always a good time," Colonial Navy of Massachusetts member Manuel Pacheco said. "We look forward to it every year."

Musket drill demonstrations fired up the audience to start the day, followed by an invocation and an election of militia officials. 

The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute was founded in 1964, and are committed to portraying colonial period life along with Sudbury’s role from the beginning of the Revolutionary War. 

A skirmish with redcoats provided a simulation of how colonial troops battled the British during the Revolutionary War. 

A parade brought together more than 20 fyfe and drum companies as they marched to the Wayside Inn and to the fair. Participating groups included the host Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie, the Middlesex County Volunteers, William Diamond Jr. Fife and Drum Corps, Middlesex 4-H Fife and Drum Corps, Lincoln Minutemen, Stow Minutemen and Regimental Music of Saintonge.

The assembly of fife and drum companies followed the parade. 

Attendees received the opportunity to participate in colonial life activities. Historic reencators provided interpretations demonstrating parts of colonial life including cooking, blacksmithing, woodworking and medicine. In addition, games, food and colonial goods were available for purchase.

"I like talking to the people at the event," 15-year Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie volunteer Florence Dionne said. "People come from all over to visit."

The Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie was formed in 1966 to preserve the military music tradition of early America and to educate the public about our nation's history. 

Dionne noted it took a team effort to help make the event a success. 

"We all work together to help each other out," Dionne said.