Monday, July 21, 2014

The Jane Austen Festival

I love living in Louisville, KY.

Louisville is quirky and fun, teeming with all kinds of people, food, sights, and things to do. There are random and weird bits and bobs, one the most random being the annual Jane Austen Festival held at Locust Grove's historic home.

Yes. Jane. Austen. Festival.

It is one the largest festivals for Austenites around the globe. Hundreds of people flock to the rolling estate at Locust grove to explore the original house, wander about in period piece dress, hawk 1800s merchandise, and meet others who share their love of Austen. As a matter of fact, this year the promenade of individuals dressed in period piece costumes surpassed in number those people who participate in a similar festival in Bath Spa, England. It's kind of a big deal.











For the past four years I have gotten to attend this amazing event with my mom and sisters. I love wandering around listening to people talk in snooty fake English accents, hearing men announce ladies dresses as "divine," and slipping under tented canopies to examine wares from a past time. This year the entertainers ranged from magicians, a musician playing the water glasses, a historic fashion show, bare knuckle fighting, and a gentleman's duel.

As if it couldn't get any better, my mom always springs for the full service English tea that the volunteers host. Imagine Austen-themed character teas, lavender and berry cakes, fresh strawberries,
scones, and hordes of clotted cream all melded together. It is beautiful enough to make one weep. If you love Austen and a good time, then hit up Louisville next July and find out what it's all about.



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