The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will celebrate Lafayette's birthday in grand style with its annual Festival of Yesteryear: A Celebration of Early America Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Arsenal Park, in Fayetteville.

Focusing on the Colonial and Revolutionary War periods, the program features costumed re-enactors demonstrating various aspects of daily life including blacksmithing, woodworking, spinning, music, toys and games, and militia drills.

The merry cadences of Tryon Palace's renowned Fife and Drum Corps will transport the crowd back to Colonial days with performances at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Other living history groups include: Camp Flintlock, a Colonial group that provides demonstrations in music, open fire cooking, and more; the North Carolina Highland Regiment, an 18th century Revolutionary War group depicting loyalists from the upper Cape Fear River Valley; and Captain Dry's Company, hailing from the Colonial port of Brunswick, the group portrays townspeople who were members of the militia company in the period 1745 - 1766. Firing demonstrations will take place at 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

In Apprentice Alley, children can participate and learn a variety of trades through hands-on crafts and activities, including making a tricornered hat or mob cap, stenciling, weaving and rebus puzzles.

Other hands-on activities include making a Colonial doll, candle dipping and rope making. The stocks and pillory provide a great photo opportunity, and visitors can learn all about Colonial crime and punishment.

Concessions will be provided by Big Ed's Creek Sauce and Catering's homemade North Carolina barbecue and Mike's Tropical Gourmet Ices.

Admission to the event and all activities are free. Activities take place in Arsenal Park, located in the Haymount Historic District on the old Arsenal grounds at Arsenal Avenue and Myrover Street, minutes from downtown Fayetteville.

For more information visit nc culture.com and search Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex.