Fonthill's Old-Fashioned Fourth Of July: What You Need To Know

Fonthill Castle has released details about this year's Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. The popular annual event will take place at the castle’s grounds in Doylestown on Monday, July 4, from noon − 4 p.m.

Here are the details, according to Fonthill:

• The day’s festivities kick off with the popular Children’s Decorated Bike Parade at 12:30 p.m. Children are invited to participate in the traditional ride down Fonthill’s tree-lined driveway (riding over bubble wrap to simulate fireworks), and can take part in the Bike Decorating Contest. Prizes are awarded in categories including Most Patriotic, Most Original, and Most Dynamic. The age groups for the contest are 2-4 yrs., 5-8 yrs., and 9-12 yrs. Henry Mercer himself will present the prizes for each category/age group at the conclusion of the Bike Parade.
• After the parade, visitors can try their hand at a host of old-fashioned games like tug-o-war, watermelon eating contests, an obstacle course, town ball (19th century baseball), the cakewalk (musical chairs), sack races, stilt walking, hobby horse races, bucket brigade relays, and wheelbarrow races.
• There will be an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Pie Baking Contest. Pies will be judged on 75 percent taste and 25 percent appearance. First, second and third prizes will be awarded. Professional bakers can not enter. Rules and registration information are available at fonthillmuseum.org.
• Performers include the Del Val Saxophone Quartet, the Galena Brass and autoharp virtuoso, Marti Rogers. Barbershop quartets from the Bucks County Country Gentleman will stroll the grounds serenading guests.
• Other activities include face painting, crafts, dog agility demonstrations, a hands-on music and historic toys tent and award-winning storyteller, Robin Moore, performing in front of his teepee throughout the day.
• Fonthill Castle will be open for special self-guided tours beginning at 1 p.m. There will be a rare opportunity to visit the mansion‘s kitchen and travel up the meandering Box Stairs — areas that are not a part of the regular tour. The separate admission fee to tour the castle is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, $1 for children, free for members.
  
• Guests can picnic on the grounds or purchase food from on-site vendors.

Admission to Fonthill Castle’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration is $5 for adults, $3 for members, and free for children (ages 15 and under). Heavy rain cancels the event. Parking on the grounds is free. For more information on the event, call 215-348-9461 or visit fonthillmuseum.org.

The castle is located at East Court Street & Route 313 in Doylestown.