Come be hypnotized at the Rock Hall Country Fair in Lawrence

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Antique cars, a children’s craft area, colonial historians, craft vendors, farm animals, food, make your own scarecrow, a pumpkin patch and this year’s featured entertainment — Stephen Christopher’s Time Traveling Magical Medicine Show — along with an animal farm, open hearth cooking and pony rides, highlight the 34th annual Rock Hall Country Fair this weekend.

The 3-acre parcel of Rock Hall Museum hosts the fair at 199 Broadway in Lawrence, Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once a 600-acre parcel that was an 18th century plantation that now is a Town of Hempstead owned and operated historical landmark. The Martins, who sold it to the Hewletts in 1824, who then gifted it to the town in 1948, originally owned the homestead in the late 1700s.

“There is something of interest for youngsters and adults alike as we enjoy a fall day in a beautiful colonial setting,” said Doug Sheer, president of the Friends of Rock Hall organization.

The Friends of Rock Hall is the fundraising arm of the museum and helps to sponsor the year-round educational and entertainment programs that range from gardening and lectures on history to American Girl storytelling to concerts. Every year, the Georgian-style Rock Hall mansion is decorated akin to colonial times for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. All fair proceeds benefit the Friends of Rock Hall.

There are also plans to build an educational center designed something like an 18th century English barn. It is expected to be nearly 1,400 square feet, and could cost $475,000. Initial plans call for the barn to seat at least 100, have a small kitchen area and feature drop-down doors and a loft.

To raise money for the project, bricks in honor or in memory of a family name or loved one can be purchased. Bricks are available in three sizes. The colonial brick is 4 inches by 8 inches in size and costs $150. There is a maximum of three lines of inscription with 12 to 14 letters and spaces per line. The revolutionary brick is 8 inches by inches and priced at $500. A maximum of six lines with 12 to 14 letters and spaces per line is allowed. The liberty brick is 12 inches by 12 inches for $1,000. A maximum of eight lines with 12 to 14 letters and spaces per line is allowed.

According to his website, Christopher is certified with the National Guild of Hypnotists and has performed professionally for more than 20 years. He has done shows at corporate events, fundraisers, motivational programs, resorts and schools.

“It’s exciting, it’s fun, it’s magical, it’s whimsical,” Christopher said enthusiastically when asked to describe his show. “Children love it and adults become children. My time-traveling character is selling a magic elixir and I have volunteers from audience participate. It’s magical, tongue-in-cheek and awesome.”

The museum will accept checks made out to the Friends of Rock Hall, and credit cards for the bricks. There is free admission and parking for the country fair.

For more information on Rock Hall Museum, go to https://www.friendsofrockhall.org/.