AUGUSTA — Fun, Frivolity, and Libations — an annual tavern night fundraiser that supports Fort Western’s educational programming — is set for 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the fort’s S & W Howard Store & Tavern, 16 Cony St.

This event will celebrate the beginning of settlement and mercantilism in what is now Augusta. The S & W Howard Store was in operation from 1767 to 1807. For 40 years, the store sold goods, predominantly through bartering, to local settlers. Five account books survive, containing a wealth of information about the settlers, the growth of economic activity in the area, and the burgeoning political center of Augusta. The value of products purchased and bartered is listed. More than just a store, it served as the early Hallowell town meeting hall, tavern and bank, according to a news release from the fort.

Each attendee will receive one shilling and 12 pence to purchase a drink of their choice and participate in period games of chance, including dice, cards and board games. Winners of the games will put their names in a prize basket drawn at 8 p.m.

The menu will include pork stew or potato leek soup, cheese, bread, sweetmeats and seasonal fruits. Fort Western will provide the 18th-century music; 18th-century dress is optional.

If fellow guests do not follow the Tavern Rules, people can pay to place them in the pillory. Those placed in the pillory can pay the fine to be released.

S & W Howard Store & Tavern Tankards are available for purchase. These tankards, hand-made by Sprinkle Pottery in Texas, reflect examples from the Fort Western Archaeological Collection. Steven Sprinkle has recently retired, and these tankards will be the last of their kind.

Tickets costs $50 per person and $90 per couple. Registration closes Friday, Sept. 20. To register, call 626-2385.

For more information, visit the Fort’s website at augustamaine.gov or Facebook. 

Check out other upcoming area events!