On the ninth day of the ninth month of our current year of 2023, guests were invited to enter into a type of time portal in Belvidere.
While walking around the town square and its off streets, all those who were prudent enough to attend the 35th anniversary of the Victorian Days were swept away to the gaiety and regale of a bygone era.
Belvidere serves a perfect locale for such a wonderful and jovial festival. The town has its roots entrenched in early American History.
The backdrop could not be more carefully created had it been done by a Hollywood crew working on a historical film. The Victorian homes that flanked the streets served as a reminder of the truly stunning architecture and style of the Victorian Age. Horse drawn carriages created a relaxing way to take in the stunning scenery that made up the town and its occupants that day.
Victorian Days is a family friendly experience. There were many families, from the youngest babies still in nappies, to the wisest elders of our times and everything in between.
Furry family friends were readily accepted and made so many adorable appearances in many ways. Many families brought their pets, and who wouldn’t, with the variety of pet vendors at the event.
Fun came in many forms whether it was the extensive antique car show that garnered the admiration from the most seasoned car show enthusiasts or the skilled musicians that played throughout the day. There was a historical fashion show that is always so much fun to attend. Hand selected artisans lined the square with their unique items.
There was a wide variety of foods, including food trucks – Belvidere community sports, activity groups and the local church groups served the majority of the food for the festival. It was a much-appreciated aspect of the festival to have delicious budget-friendly fare for the family.
In a time when we are bombarded with the pressures of tomorrow, it can be so enlightening and uplifting to take a walk back into the past. The 35th Belvidere Victorian Day allowed families to perhaps put down their worries for a moment and become enraptured by the ethereal time, and for that reason, the 35th Victorian Festival was a smashing success.
