The Chadds Ford Historical Society is hosting the 52nd annual Chadds Ford Days festival on Sept. 9 and 10. The event commemorates the Battle of the Brandywine, which took place on Sept. 11, 1777, but the festival is about much more than history.

Chadds Ford Days includes more than 50 of the area’s finest artisans. There will be a “Maker’s Marketplace” for buying handmade items, and colonial demonstrator stations where you can learn about a traditional craft like blacksmithing, lace-making or wood-turning. You can try colonial dancing and learn how our ancestors socialized and flirted in the 1700s. You’ll also meet reenactors playing Gen. George Washington and Revolutionary War soldier Ned Hector, and you can tour an 18th-century military camp, where you’ll see cannons and muskets firing, and soldiers on maneuvers.

The area’s artistic legacy is honored at the festival as the Philadelphia Watercolor Society hosts a free plein-air art show and sale in the Historical Society's Visitors Center.

Seven local bands will provide continuous live music throughout the festival. The bands include local favorites like The Sermon, the Steve Liberace Band, Seven Rings and Marlboro Road playing jazz, rock, Irish, bluegrass, traditional and children’s songs.

While you’re enjoying the music, you’ll want to grab a bite to eat provided by local restaurants, and relax in the tavern beer garden with offerings from Victory Brewing and Chadds Ford Winery. For younger children, there is a “Kid’s Corner” with fun activities and games, and dog training demonstrations by Clover Dog Training.

You can see cooking demonstrations in the Chads House and tour the Visitors Center, where you can visit the museum store and see the exhibit “Wanton Waste: Chadds Ford and the Battle of Brandywine.”

This year, all food and beverage transactions will be made directly with the vendors rather than with pre-purchased tickets.

Chadds Ford Days is held on the grounds of Chadds Ford Historical Society (1736 N. Creek Rd., Chadds Ford). It runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Free parking is available adjacent to the festival grounds. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend, but must be on a leash. Admission is $10 for adults 18 and older, and free for children 17 and younger. Visit www.chaddsforddays.com for more information.