Biltmore Estate celebrates age-old tradition with an English harvest fair Sept. 26-Oct. 25

Biltmore Estate celebrates age-old tradition with an English harvest fair Sept. 26-Oct. 25

ASHEVILLE, NC - In George Vanderbilt's day, the autumn farms and fields comprising Biltmore Estate were a flurry of harvest activity. Jars of fruit, smoked meats and fresh produced billed the kitchens and pantries. Hundreds of employees put of the harvest in preparation for a Blue Ridge winter. Although the task was huge, many hands made work light.

This fall, while Biltmore Estate's farmland and vineyards continue the tradition of reaping the summer's rewards, the second annual Michaelmas: An English Harvest Fair (weekends only, September 26 through October 25), will pay tribute to an era gone by, when the rhythms of nature defined the rhythms of life.

Harkening as far back as sixth century England, villagers laid their most valuable tools-their hands-to rest during Michaelmas.St. Michael's feast day was a chance to gather the season's crops and settle rent payments while enjoying games, dance, music and costume parades.

Biltmore Estate's Michaelmas will re-create aspects of these autumn fairs in eh Italian Garden, including musical and theatrical performances, an array of harvest treats, and games. The estate's ties to the Blue Ridge Mountains will also figure prominently in this tribute to the season of plenty. Regional craftspeople will demonstrate the skills which have passed from one generation to another since St. Michael was first celebrated.

Guests can also join in activities such as a pageant with audience participation, turn-of-the-century games, and an old-time music jam session. The tin whistle, banjo, mandolin and bodhran, plus violin and guitar, set the tone for lively performances of Southern Appalachian music, jazzy renditions of classical favorites and contemporary Celtic melodies.

Biltmore Estate's comedic re-enactment of a Michaelmas favorite evokes the good humor of the traditional autumn festival.

During Biltmore Estate's adaptation of this classic, St. George will need volunteers from the audience, who, posing as dragon slayers, will distract an imposing fifteen-foot puppet dragon. Together, they rescue a "fair maiden" from the dragon's clutches, achieving good's triumph over evil.

The English Walled Garden also will beckon with 15,000 bright chrysanthemums planted in pattern beds.

All guests with a general admission ticket or twelve-month pass may attend Michaelmas festivities and events at no added cost. For more information, contact The Biltmore Company, One North Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801; ph. 1-800-323-6822; www.biltmore.com