August 25 is the 100th birthday of the National Park Service (NPS), the federal agency that was established by President Woodrow Wilson to protect and preserve the country's national monuments and historical properties. All across the nation this weekend, programs are celebrating the 413 NPS-designated destinations, including our own Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Beyond those honorifics, this last Montgomery County weekend before Labor Day is jam-packed with things to do.

Italy in the Village - Peddler's Village

August 25-28

 

 

 

This event, held at one of Montgomery County's tourism neighbors to the north, is four days of Italian delight. Besides the tasting of various wines, pastas and desserts at Peddler's Village, the signature moment occurs on Friday and Saturday with the showing of "Linguini Code." While enjoying dinner, this hilarious tale involves pasta-makers competing against each other to discover the secret of the holy grain of Italian pasta.

Thunder from Down Under - Valley Forge Music Fair at Valley Forge Casino Resort

August 26

 

 

 

Australia's hottest export are these talented performers who work up a sweat to present the perfect girls' night outback. The staging at the Valley Forge Music Fair ensures that every ticket-holder enjoys ideal sightlines, and there will be plenty to see. The show highlights plenty of chiseled bodies, seductive dance routines, cheeky humor, and boy-next-door charm.

Customer Appreciation Weekend - Chaddsford Winery

August 27-28

 

 

 

Chaddsford Winery is slightly out of county but an easy ride, and this event makes it worth the trip. The two-day celebration - a thank-you to customers - includes a free, traditional wine tasting. The vintners are also giving away a commemorative glass. Bring a friend and toast the end of summer in style.

Centennial Events - Valley Forge National Historical Park

August 27

 

 

 

Join park staff and park partners at Valley Forge National Historical Park for a full day of programs and activities:

  • Build a full-sized period hut from the 1777-1778 encampment as a member of the Hut Brigade
  • Feel the boom during artillery and black-powder musket firings
  • Become a Centennial Junior Ranger, complete with a limited-edition wooden Junior Ranger badge
  • Meet Buddy Bison, the lovable woolly mascot of the National Park Trust
  • Dive into the world of Revolutionary War espionage as part of the Secrets & Spies program
  • Dress up like a Continental Solider or Camp Follower
  • Attend a special Ranger-led program at the National Memorial Arch and Steuben Statue
  • Learn about park geology on a special walk-and-talk tour
  • Grab a slice of official birthday cake and help celebrate


Wine & Cheese Tours - Wharton Esherick Studio

August 27

 

 

 

Designer/architect Wharton Esherick, of the 1920s-1930s American craftsman movement, may be unfamiliar in today's circles. But his whimsical furniture and tools can be enjoyed at his former home-workplace, now the Wharton Esherick Studio. The gallery blends a chance to browse his amazing body of work with a wine and cheese reception on his spectacular deck. Dive into the work of a true artistic original while enjoying a sip of locally sourced wine, all against the summery views of his property, which borders Valley Forge.

Butterfly Celebration - Upper Schuylkill Valley Park

August 27

 

 

 

The evolution of butterflies is something to admire. People from the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park are bringing in two experts from Marvelous Monarchs. Hear about how to raise, tag and feed butterflies. There will be activities for the kids, and if the weather prohibits, the park will be releasing tagged monarchs so they can begin migration southward.

Cherished Paintings & Revolutionary War Propaganda - Peter Wentz Farmstead

August 28

 

 

 

Art has the ability to convey meaning without having to use words. This has been done throughout history, and in particular, The Revolutionary War left us with images that filled our early education. Understand the significance of some these images and discover the motives behind these paintings and pictures at Peter Wentz Farmstead, a historic landmark of the Revolutionary War.