As in past years, Country Carpenters will be open free to the public during Maple Fest this year with their many traditional activities that focus on the colonial era. Country Carpenters is located at 326 Gilead Street (Route 85, north of the center of town), across the street from the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds. The event will be held on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

A one new event is scheduled this year at Country Carpenters that you won’t want to miss. Erich Steinhagen, a Griswold resident who owns Steinhagen Pottery, and his wife Janice will be on site to demonstrate the intricate skill of colonial redware pottery making.

The Steinhagens, both of whom hold Bachelor of Arts degrees in art/art education, began collaborating and coordinating their talents shortly after meeting at college. Soon they discovered they had more in common than just art, and married in 1981. Today, they travel throughout New England and the Northeast, displaying their pieces, selling many of them to re-enactor groups and museums.

Steinhagen’s pieces are all modeled on colonial era pottery such as jugs, flasks, pitchers, bean pots, butter churns, and even inkwells. He weaves fascinating tales into his demonstration, making it both an exciting educational and entertainment event. You can learn more about Steinhagen at his website, www.steinhagenpottery.com.

Early American Life has twice selected Erich as one of one of “America’s best traditional craftsmen.” This is your opportunity to come and learn more about the thrill of the potting wheel, and the artistic items that can come out of simple mud, from a master of the art.

The Old Village Blacksmith shop, will be again be open, with live demonstrations of this ageless craft by Fred Brehant and his son, Freddy Brehant, who is Operations Manager at Country Carpenters.

In the Village Mill area, you will see wood working demonstrations by James Easton, wood turning demonstrations by Coventry’s own Paul Maulucci, furniture making demonstrations by Doug O’Connor, and (on Saturday only) chandler demonstrations by Chili Bob Whatley. Chili Bob is well known for the beautiful candles he produces!

On the Village Green area, local resident Curt Munson will be demonstrating revolutionary war-era rifles and how shot balls were made in colonial times.

“We are looking forward to the Maple Fest, and seeing many of our friends who stop by each year to enjoy seeing history re-enacted,” said Freddy.

Plenty of free parking is available at Country Carpenters, so make this a stop on your list for this year’s Maple Fest!