|
|
 |
|
Dudley Hansbarger tends his camp at Prairie Days.
|
|
Pioneer
Demonstrations and Historical Encampment at Prairie Days
This year’s Prairie Days festival will once again have a plethora of
demonstrations of pioneer skills and trades. The lineup for this year
includes staples of the frontier like basket weaving, lye soap making,
children’s toy woodworking, chair caning brain tanning, and hide
stretching. There are also historical demonstrations of a slightly more
modern persuasion like a mechanical corn shredder; wood burning,
carving, and painting gourds; flute making; a honey demonstration; and
cleaning alpaca fleece. These demonstrations will be scattered
throughout the grounds during the weekend.
Near the sugar shack, Tom Franklin will give an interpretation of David
Conner, pioneer fur trader and Indian agent, and he will also have a
cross cut saw demonstration. The historical encampment will feature
long hunters, trappers, and blanket traders all dressed in period
correct clothing and accoutrements. Those participating the in the
encampment will take part in a historical skill competition on Saturday
at 1pm and a tomahawk and knife throwing competition on Sunday at 2pm.
The encampment will also feature a muzzleloader display in the lean-to
including firearms from the 1790s through the early 19th century.
Come explore all these demonstrations, talk with the historical
interpreters, and enjoy all the other fun, educational, and family
friendly activities at the 2015 Prairie Days festival, September 26th
from 10am to 5pm and September 27th from 12pm to 5pm. The event has
plenty of free parking and free admission. For questions or more
information, call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.
|
|
|
|
