(08/31) TRENTON - Several thousand residents, visitors and their families are expected to celebrate 400 years of New Jersey’s past at the fifth annual “Spirit of the Jerseys” State History Fair on Saturday, May 3, at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville.

“Our annual fair offers an up-close look at the people and the events that shaped our great state. Participants are sure to have a memorable experience that will foster a deeper appreciation for New Jersey’s rich and remarkable history,” DEP Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson said.

The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held rain or shine. Admission is free.

This year, participants will have an opportunity to dress as a historical figure or everyday citizen of the past and march in the fair’s opening parade. New attractions also include the Sea Dogs who will perform pirate chanties and songs of the sea, and boat rides will be offered along the scenic historic Delaware and Raritan Canal.

Also, pioneers, patriots and other historical figures will come to life as historical balladeer Linda Russell illuminates American heritage through patriotic anthems, broadsides, hymns and dance tunes.

For Civil War enthusiasts, the fair features military reenactments and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War era fashion show.

Returning favorites will include the Mid-Jersey Antique Auto Club's classic car display, colonial food preparation and Lenape fishing demonstrations as well as hands-on activities for kids and adults.

Originally inspired to celebrate the 100th anniversary of New Jersey’s state-owned historic sites, the fair is sponsored by the DEP’s Office of Historic Sites, which is administered by the Division of Parks and Forestry. Its theme, Spirit of the Jerseys, refers to a time before statehood when there was an east Jersey and a west Jersey. New Jersey signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and in 1787 became the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Washington Crossing State Park, a National Historic Landmark, is located on the Delaware River, just eight miles north of Trenton. It was here that the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington landed after their historic crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776. The park comprises more than 2,000 acres in Mercer and Hunterdon counties and is easily accessible from Routes 29 and 546.

For more information and complete guide to history fair activities, visit www.njhistoryfair.org or call Washington State Crossing Park at (609) 737-9303.