2008-07-11 20:45:09 -

- Somerset County Historical Society, Inc. Charlotte Sharf, 410-651-5115 cbsterling@aol.com The historic little town of Princess Anne, "The Jewel of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland" will celebrate its 275th anniversary October 17-19, 2008 during the annual Old Princess Anne Days Festival and historic home tour.

The two-day festival offers great opportunities to see how the town developed from

its founding in 1733 to today. Walking and driving tours of the many significant historic buildings, farms, plantations and country homes show a number of excellent architectural styles ranging from the early 1700s to the early 1800s. Additionally, the grounds of the famous Teackle Mansion, built in 1801, will host "visits" from famous historical figures, demonstrations of 19th century cooking, crafts and life on plantations. There also will be The War of 1812 reenactments, period music concerts and shanty singing.

Saturday evening, October 18, will feature OktoberFest, a German-themed dance and dinner in Princess Anne's Manokin Park hosted by the Princess Anne Police Department. Don't miss a chance to dance with Princess Anne.

Festival tickets will be available in the early Fall through the Somerset County (Maryland) Office of Tourism (410-651-2968) or 11440 Ocean Highway, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853.

Travel Editors: Princess Anne is an easy and beautiful 2-3 hour drive from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Virginia Beach and other major mid-Atlantic communities. There are many quaint bed and breakfasts and antique stores in the area. This is an ideal family outing or for history and nature enthusiasts.


¶ -- Tour historic homes dating from the early 1700s

¶ -- Enjoy period music, reenactments and demonstrations

¶ -- Dance and Dine in the Park with OktoberFest

¶ -- Farmer's Market & Family Activities