Summer Solstice Vanity Fair

Ladies & Gentlemen, the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Presenting Sponsor Hendrick Subaru cordially invite you to our Summer Solstice Vanity Fair…circa 1890 on the grounds of the Merry Hill, an Orange County Bicentennial Farm and licensed industrial hemp grower.

Bring the family to explore and celebrate innovative Orange County farms and farming practices for FREE. Prepare to be wowed by innovative exhibitors who will give us a peek into futuristic farming practices of 2020.

Come learn about fiber animals; see those fibers being spun into yarn and visit with Angora rabbits from Avillion Farm.

“Bee” educated by Bailey Bee Supply, who will have an actual demonstration hive, smokers, beekeeping veils, and other bee education opportunities.

Hoof Beat Farm will be on hand sharing how they grow grains for local brewers and then take the hops to feed their beef cattle.

Come meet the Walker Acres Farm ponies – Danerys Storm Pony & Oh My Darlin Clementine – dressed in their finery for exclusive photo opportunities, and learn about Walker Acres themed camps, birthday parties, and pony shenanigans.

Throughout the afternoon Tea Cup Gin will don Steam Punk costumes and perform from the balcony, and carnival entertainment provided in part by Miss Ruby’s Vaudeville Follies, including magician, mime, fire twirler, and juggler who will be roaming the grounds. We will also have a tarot card reader for those who wish to have a look into the future.

A ticketed Merry Hill House experience is also available for $35 per person, but limited. You can register and pay for your house experience online until 1 p.m. today to secure your entry. Remaining entry spots will be available on the day of the event first come, first served on the front porch. Your entry fee will allow you to tour the house while enjoying a locally-sourced small plate, prepared by Chef Joel Bohlin and Chef Justin Cole of Village Diner, mingling with and dramatic readings by Emmy Award Winner Michael Malone and a Hibiscus & Hemp Cocktail. Period costumes are encouraged for extra fun, but not required! Think Downton Abbey or Titanic, really anything goes for the turn of the 20th century on up to the 1920s. The point is to have fun dressing up!

Local classic car owners will also have a Model T and Model A on display and available for more photo opportunities. A local Plein Air artist will also be set up capturing the afternoon on canvas, which you could win with a winning bid as part of the silent auction.

Thanks to our other sponsors Deep Run Productions – Vivian Howard, Curtis Media Group, Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, Orange County Government, First Citizens Bank – Durham, and Interiors by Vickie McDaniel.