All photographs are copyright John Horm and may not be used or copied in any form without permission other than by transmitting this entire page.
The Shaker Forest Festival is an arts and crafts festival held the middle two weekends in September each year. The festival is located along the heavily wooded paths of scenic Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Md. The theme for the festival is based on the Shaker religious sect with all of the vendors dressed in period clothes and many offering wares typical of the era.
The festival is rich in entertainment with stage performances as well as strolling musical groups, magicians, jugglers, and other performers. There is a petting zoo which is wildly popular with the kids, horse-drawn carriage rides popular with both adults and children. There is also a pumpkin decorating area, intended for the children but the adults jump right in and "help" their children decorate pumpkins. For all, there is the Shaker Kitchen where many different foods are sold.
Through the photographs on this page, you will stroll along the paths, be greeted by the festival workers, visit some of the vendors, and amuse yourself by stopping to watch the performers, and perhaps have lunch while waiting for a carriage ride.
Above all, enjoy yourself.
Let's start by taking in some of the ambience of the festival.
As you walk toward the entry, you may find Jemal the magician performing a few feats of magic.
After you leave Jemal, you will go to the ticket booth to purchase your tickets for entry.
At the entry you will walk between bales of hay and be greeted by the ticket takers.
One of the first things you will notice is that people aren't dressed the way you are used to. They seem to have been transported about 150 years back in time.
If you are lucky you will next enjoy a musical interlude just inside the entrance. They do take breaks so if they aren't there when you enter, be patient, they will be back. Or perhaps you will find them performing someplace else in the forest.
What to do first? Well if you come with your children, the decision will be made for you. The petting zoo of course.
Next, how about a pony ride?
Or, maybe you can decorate a pumpkin.
You can even get your face painted.
The horse-drawn carriage rides are best left till last because they are outside the gate.
Are you in the mood for some entertainment?
When Professor Horn isn't putting on a Punch & Judy show, he is walking around with a hand-cranked organ.
Dulcimer Dan has his own booth along one of the paths.
This is a huge hit with young and old alike. You can find him either on the stage or strolling along the paths.
If you want something a little more sedate, how about some music and dancing.
Although it is not unusual for some of the younguns to get up and dance along.
Ahh, the floating lady. How does he do it?
A sword through the neck and he still lives.
Off with his head!
A juggler appears
Followed by Mother Goose
Jemal is back. What is he making?
It's a French poodle
There are many vendors at the festival hoping you will buy some of their wares. Here are a few items I found while strolling along the paths
Now let's meet some of the artists and craftsmen that create these products. The Shaker Forest Festival is not a typical arts and crafts show because here many of the vendors are demonstrating their techniques and of course all are dressed in period clothes.
OK, this is me and yes I do sell stuff as well as do the show photography.
There are many more vendors than those shown here but space is limiting and you are probably getting tired by now.
Let's meet some of the people who put the festival together and make it a success from the Montgomery Village Rotary, the YMCA, and the Boy Scouts.
Oh, don't forget a carriage ride before you leave.
That is all for this year. Hope to see you at the festival next year.
