Bear’s Mill 2013 Legendary Fall Open House

The Friends of Bear’s Mill will be holding their annual Legendary Fall Open House on Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day.  The event will include free guided tours and grinding demonstrations by Master Miller Terry at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 both days.  Delicious foods such as our famous French Market 18-Bean Soup, brats & hotdogs from the grill, apple dumplings, caramel apples, pumpkin cookies and gourmet coffees will be offered.  This event is free to the public.  Donations are greatly appreciated.  

Visitors will be entertained with live music on Saturday from 12:30 to 4:30 by Brian Keith Wallen and Ted Yoder.  Brian is a rootsy blue-grass musician and Ted plays the hammered dulcimer.  Drawing on his pop and rock-n-roll roots, Ted is able to create something never heard before:  a dulcimer that doesn’t sound like a dulcimer “should.”  Both Brian and Ted will be performing solo sets and a set together too.  Blues, folk, rock and bluegrass will be represented throughout the day. 

Live music on Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 will feature Ron and Elaine Marshall, a husband and wife acoustic duo from Versailles.  Both sing while Ron plays the guitar and Elaine helps out on light percussion.  Trading off with Ron & Elaine will be “Nobody Special” a group of three friends who used to play together in bands of years past.  Percussionist Perry Walls is from Ansonia, guitarist Roger DeMange is from St. Henry and guitarist Ron Marshall from Versailles.  Country and classic rock will be represented all day. 

Down by the old mill stream, John Bundy and Greg Adams will be set up along the millrace with their duck decoy carvings and rustic willow furniture.  Both of these skilled Indiana artists will be demonstrating their individual crafts and answering questions all weekend during the open house.  Additionally, Al Tuttle, a Certified Ohio Beekeeper will be at the Mill both days from 12 to 4 to speak about his fascination with honeybees and share their health benefits.  Al will have an observation hive on site as well as local honey for sale. 

“The mission of the Friends of Bear’s Mill is to provide a rich cultural experience and community-oriented events including educational tours, demonstrations and nature walks while preserving the Mill’s historical significance and natural beauty,” said Outreach Manager Merri Niekamp.  “This is a fun, family-oriented event that appeals to young and old alike.  Bear’s Mill offers a beautiful fall setting that encourages the community to come out and celebrate the harvest and changing of the seasons with nature . . . take in some history, grab a bowl of delicious bean soup with cornbread, perch on a straw bale and relax to some local entertainment,” Ms. Niekamp concluded. 

In addition to stoneground flours and meals, the Mill Store offers kitchen and gourmet goods as well as Boston Stoker Coffees and Bakehouse Breads.  Original pottery by the Bear’s Mill potters, giftware and women’s jewelry and accessories are also available for sale.  The gallery at Bear’s Mill will feature the October artists for the ‘Art at the Mill’ series.  Included will be the images taken by Ohioans Vicki Rulli and Tom Heaphy, then printed on wood selected for its grain and overall character and beauty.  Silver jewelry and vessels produced by silversmiths Nathan and Linda Jones of Indiana complete the exhibit.  “Unique new items are coming in daily,” stated Julie Clark, Retail Manager.  “And of course we have the traditional pumpkins, gourds and bittersweet that everyone looks forward to displaying in celebration of the autumn season,” she explained. 

Bear’s Mill, a working national landmark, is operated by The Friends of Bear’s Mill, a non-profit organization.  Bear’s Mill is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville.  For more information, contact Bear’s Mill at 937-548-5112 or visit www.bearsmill.com.