(Posted Oct. 10, 2018)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
What could be better than a day spent traveling back in time? How about two days?
The Madison County Historical Society, 260 E. High St., London, will present its Pioneer Days Festival Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Previously, the annual event was held on one day in September.
“We moved it to October for the chance of cooler weather,” said Vince Shuler, Historical Society board president. “And we made it two days with longer hours to make it more appealing to reenactors and vendors and to give the people coming to it more choices for their schedules.”
Reenactors will conduct demonstrations on a wide variety of pioneer skills, like blacksmithing, soap making, cider pressing, and needlework. A Civil War reenactor will set up his tent, and 4-Hers plan to bring and talk about chickens and other animals that were important to pioneer survival. A vocalist will perform 1800s gospel music, and two different ensembles will perform dulcimer music. Native American storytelling also is on the schedule.
Miller’s Ice Cream Truck and Nick’s Food Truck will be selling tasty treats. Vendors will be selling traditional and modern wares, from jewelry and rustic crafts to honey and ironware.
The list of reenactors, performers, and vendors grows by the day, as organizers continue to accept applications through Oct. 10. A 10×10-foot vendor space is $25 for the weekend. Vendors must supply their own tents, tables, and chairs.
For more information, stop by the Historical Society museum. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays. Or contact Vince Shuler at vince@absolutezoo.com or (937) 831-1394.
More Historical Society events
The Historical Society also has two other events scheduled this month. The organization’s annual dinner meeting is set for Oct. 18 at Brennan Loft, 158 S. Main St., London. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6. A Teddy Roosevelt reenactor will provide the entertainment. Members will elect new trustees. Anyone is welcome.
Tickets are $25 and include dinner. Menu choices are ham loaf, traditional lasagna or vegetarian lasagna. For tickets, stop by the museum or call (740) 852-2977.
On Oct. 27, the Historical Society and the London Visual Arts Guild will join forces for the 3rd Annual Bluegrass & BBQ at the Della Selsor Building at the Madison County Fairgrounds, London. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Strung Up Bluegrass Band is the featured entertainment. Music runs until 9 p.m.
Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Phat Daddy’s Pizza, 15 E. First St., London, or Gallery On High, 5 E. High St., London. Meals are $5 and include a barbecue sandwich, chips and a cookie.
