A day in the country filled with diversion awaits those who visit Oatlands Plantation near Leesburg, Va., Saturday or next Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The main event is the eighth annual Sheep Dog Trials, which attract sheep dog handlers from such faraway places as California, Kentucky, Canada and Scotland. The two-day competition is the third leg of the nationally sanctioned Virginia Triple Crown. Using only whistles and hand signals, handlers will direct their dogs to herd sheep, cattle and even ducks. During cutting horse demonstrations you'll see border collies working with cowboys and quarter horses to round up cattle as they did in the days of the "old West," when dogs were used to separate steer from the herd for branding. Sheep shearing demonstrations are also on the agenda.
In addition to the trials you can attend a crafts fair, watch Scottish dancers, listen to bagpipe music and hear the Galway Ramblers perform Irish music. There will also be face painting for children, food and self-guided tours of the mansion and its four-acre formal garden.
This year Oatlands celebrates the 25th anniversary of its opening as a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Admission to all weekend activities is $5, $3 for ages 7 to 12, free for children under 6. Oatlands is on Route 15, six miles south of Leesburg. For information, call (703) 777-3174.
Wagon trains, campfires, arts and crafts and musical programs are a sampling of the many activities scheduled during the National Pike Festival Saturday and next Sunday. Now in its 18th year, the festival celebrates the history of the nation's first highway west.
About 80 events are planned along the 200-mile stretch of road that links the western Maryland counties of Garrett, Allegany and Washington to the southwestern Pennsylvania counties of Somerset, Fayette and Washington.
Wagon trains, similar to those used by pioneers on their way west, will be traveling across each of these counties. Towns along the route will hold their own celebrations. In Maryland you will find an Indian encampment and a black powder shoot in Garrett County. You can ride Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's steam train from Cumberland to Frostburg in Allegany County and find celebrations in both cities. Offerings in Washington County include a horse pulling contest, house tours and a concert by Maryland State Fiddling champion Shawn Snyder.
nTC Seventeen towns in southwestern Pennsylvania will hold celebrations. A horseman portraying a Pony Express rider will travel from Brier Hill to Uniontown. There will be a flag exchange between Maryland and Pennsylvania by the DAR in the town of Addison, and Fort Necessity has scheduled activities both days.
Most events are free. For a complete list, call (800) 228-STAY in Maryland and (800) 333-5661 in Pennsylvania.
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New Castle, Delaware's Colonial capital, remains seemingly untouched by time. Unlike reconstructed Colonial cities, many of New Castle's old houses continue to be private residences today. The cobbled street along the river boasts a number of these fine old town houses, including the George Read House, considered one of the finest examples of late Georgian architecture in the country.
You can spend "A Day in Old New Castle" on Saturday touring these 17th, 18th and 19th century buildings, churches and museums from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the 67th year of the tour, sponsored by Immanuel Episcopal Church-on-the-Green, which will use the proceeds for preservation and restoration of historic church buildings.
Special events are planned throughout the day and luncheon will be served at the Presbyterian Church. Snacks will also be available at various locations.
Tickets can be purchased at the Old Court House on tour day for $10. A map for a walking tour of private gardens is included.
New Castle is on Route 9, three miles south of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. For information, call (302) 328-2413.
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The 29th annual Colonial Highland Gathering will take place at Fair Hill on Saturday.
A full day of athletic events, music, dancing, food and other attractions is planned from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. You'll see the tossing of the caber, a test of strength that goes back to ancient times; sheep dog demonstrations; bagpipes and pipe band competitions; and Highland and Scottish country dancing. At clan tents you can trace your Scottish lineage and shop for Scottish gifts and food. Highlight of the day will be the parade of massed bands of pipes and drums with more than 100 traditional pipers.
Admission is $8 for adults, $2 for ages 6 to 12, free for children under 6. Fair Hill is in Cecil County, four miles west of Newark, Del., on Route 273. For information, call (302) 453-8998.
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The Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run in McLean, Va., depicts a low-income farmstead in northern Virginia in the late Colonial period. It is open to the public from April through December.
Saturday and next Sunday, weather permitting, you are invited there to an 18th Century Spring Market Fair from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You'll find a gathering of Colonial merchants, farmers and craftsmen with period food and wares for sale. You can participate in a game of quoits with the children, choose ribbons and feathers to trim a spring hat, visit with the farmer and his wife, march in a parade led by a fifer and drummer or attend a Colonial puppet show.
Admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for senior citizens and children ages 3 to 12. The farm is at 6310 Georgetown Pike in McLean. For information, call (703) 442-7557.
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Indian Steps Museum in Airville, Pa., will host a Civil War encampment Saturday and next Sunday. Several units will demonstrate various aspects of camp life, including weapons, clothing and cooking. A dance will be held Saturday evening with musical entertainment provided by the Cabin Creek Band. Refreshments will be available on the grounds.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. From York, Pa., take Route 74 south to Airville. Then take Route 425 North to the Susquehanna River, stay right and follow to museum.
For information, call (717) 862-3948.
A series of six events will be held Saturday through May 23 to raise funds for a Colonial garden at Poplar Hill Mansion, the oldest building in Salisbury at 117 Elizabeth St.
Among the events are a children's party on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon; a Colonial luncheon, next Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.; and an art appraisal in a private house the same day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; an American folk concert at the Bethesda United Methodist Church May 20 at 7 p.m.; a traditional English tea, and a fashion show contrasting fashions of 1791 to those of today, on May 22 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and an 18th century musicale by candlelight with champagne and desserts May 23 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. All events will be held at Poplar Hill, except where noted, and all require reservations.
For information, call (301) 749-9243.
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The Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster will host its annual Senior Day Festival Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year's expanded activities include square dancing, a 10-cent cake walk, arts and crafts, a roving clown who makes balloon animals, a mime artist performing magic tricks, bingo, health screenings and informational exhibits. For entertainment there will be a Second-Hand Rose Fashion Show, a band concert and gymnastic demonstrations.
Admission is $2 for seniors 60 and over and children aged 6 to 18, $3 for adults. For information, call 876-2667.