A weekend-long celebration of the Ragtime era of the early 20th century. Dance demo & instruction: Learn to dance some ragtime era steps, then watch a professional duo dance some of the more intricate steps. Ragtime food vendors: Wonderful foods of the era from regional farmers and producers prepared fresh, as you watch, by The Henry Ford chefs. Ragtime piano: Listen to accomplished ragtime pianists celebrate the glory days of ragtime. Performances by Taslimah Bey (both days), "Perfessor" Bill Edwards (both days), John Remmers (both days), Bill Meyer (Saturday), Daniel J. McCarthy (both days), Brent Beggs (both days), Mary Pitcher (both days), Carolyn Dicks (both days), and Jerry Perrine (both days). Performances by: River Raisin Ragtime Revue (Sat. evening & Sun. afternoon), and Tartarsauce Traditional Jazz Band (both days, plus Sat. evening). "Simply Gershwin": Celebrate the beloved music of George Gershwin in this lively 30-minute music, dance, and comedy revue. Phonograph and player piano demonstrations Silent film: "Lizzies of the Field" -- Don't miss this classic 13-minute Mack Sennett slapstick comedy with live piano accompaniment.
Song Plugger: Meet “Perfessor” Bill Edwards and ragtime historians who will perform some of the biggest hits of the early 20th century. Piano Cutting Contest: Pianists show off their talent in a high-energy musical contest (Saturday only). Cake Walk: Join in on the fun of this once popular fair activity. You might even take the cake! Saturday evening includes: