Step back in time to 1930s and 1940s at Prince William Forest Park’s Oct. 13 Heritage Festival

Sample a day of history and fun at the 5th annual Prince William Forest Park Heritage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors can enjoy live craftsmanship demonstrations and music, children’s crafts and activities, food, historical exhibits and more–many with a 1930s and 1940s flavor.

Woodworkers, blacksmiths, and masons will be on hand to demonstrate the crafts that the 2,000 men of the Civilian Conservation Corps used to build the 15,000-acre park in the 1930s. Learn Morse Code and see World War II era memorabilia to learn about how the park was used by the Office of Strategic Services, during World War II as a spy training camp. Museum exhibits will highlight the development of the park as a depression-era recreation area and many aspects of 1930s and ‘40s pop culture.

Listen to the traditional blues and ragtime of Hokum Jazz, a lively vintage jazz group or kick back to the acoustic sounds of local musician Mike Douherty. Younger visitors will love the Kids Kabin where they can participate in old timey games and camp activities and make crafts to take home. Visitors can also shop at the Country Store and browse the antique cars, radios, and tractors to learn more about this important time in our nation’s history. Local organizations will also be on hand to share information about their contributions to our community.

There is a $5 entrance fee to the park, which is valid for seven days; no additional fee is charged for the Heritage Festival. Active Duty Military and their families can enjoy the event for free by picking up their National Parks Pass at the event (valid AD id required). Visit the 2012 Heritage Festival and then stay for a day hike or camp in one of the park’s four campgrounds.

Go to http://www.nps.gov/prwi or call (703) 221-7181 for more information. Prince William Forest Park is located at I-95 at exit 150B near Quantico Marine Base, For a scenic ride of autumn foliage, from western Prince William County or Manassas and Manassas Park, take the parkway to VA 619 near Independent Hill then follow VA 619 to Prince William Forest Park.

A quick reminder: Oak Ridge Campground A-Loop bathroom will be closed beginning Oct. 1 for renovations.  Please use the B and C Loop bathrooms. Park officials apologize for any inconvenience.