Ozark Heritage Days 2011
Kids discover life was hard before they had chainsaws! Journey into the past at Ozark Riverways Heritage Days, June 10th & 11th, 2011 at Big Spring. Experience old time traditional skills and craft demonstrations. There is a picnic pavilion with tables reserved for schools on Friday, first come first served. Reservations are necessary for school groups so we can schedule educational activities. Call Cathy Runge at 573-323-4806. (For educational activities year round, click here.) This is a special day of old-fashioned family fun planned especially for summer school students of all ages, although everyone is welcome. Watch and learn as old-time skills are demonstrated, such as spinning, rope making, woodworking, quilting and the making of lye soap. Look for the hands-on activities. They’ll be storytelling on the grounds as folklorist spinning tall tales (times to be announced) of the past for the youngsters, you'll just have to come and see for yourself! June 11th, 2011 Join us to experience the art of building a boat by hand, plowing with real horsepower and seeing how much work goes into a quilt to keep you warm. Authentic native craftsmen (and women!) will be on the grounds demonstrating a variety of the skills and crafts that made life livable in the "good old days" of the Great Depression in the Ozarks. There will also be live music. 
Making fiddles by hand is a true art. June 11th, 2011 On Saturday, this event will host a number of skilled Ozark artist considered masters in their trade. Among the many demonstrations featured are making fish gigs on an open forge, cedar box turkey calls, Ozark woodworking, sassafras paddle and johnboat making, fiddle and mandolin making. In addition to the on-going demonstrations held on the grounds, Saturday promises to be a much busier day at the “Ozark Depression Homestead”. Enjoy the sounds of bluegrass music all day. And once again we’ll host Traditional Old Highland South Clogging. Bring your whole family for a pleasant time out at Big Spring. Join us and pay tribute to these hill people’s basic way of life as you learn their skills, and hear their stories, through humor, music and folktales. Big Spring is located four miles south of Van Buren, Missouri on State Route 103. You may want to bring a blanket or lawn chair for the concerts and dancing. This event is free and all are welcome. If you would like to particpate by demonstrating a traditional skill or craft call Cathy Runge at 573-323-4806. For general information, directions, times, etc, call 573-323-4236, ext 0. This event is free and all are welcome! Watch this space for more details. 
Children getting up close and personal with the true "work horses" of yesterday. Bring your class or your homeschooled children out for some real immersion in the past. Schools should call Cathy Runge at 573-323-4806, to reserve their place.
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Did You Know?
Cane brakes are thick stands of rivercane, which is much like bamboo. The endangered Swainson's Warbler nests in these thickets. Many stands have been lost to reservoir impoundments throughout the South, but many stands are protected at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. More at www.nps.gov/ozar More...