Enjoy a day of pioneer history at the park
On Sat., Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. the Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks will be hosting their annual Pioneer Day at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville.
See demonstrations of pioneer skills such as spinning, weaving, quilting, basket-making, corn grinding, butter churning and shingle making. Dip candles, make rag dolls, quilt, and try your skill with a saw. Listen to tales of pioneer life in the Panhandle, including discussions on turpentining and lumbering by a local expert. Hear dulcimer and Native American flute music. Learn about native plants and wildlife. Displays will include early folk toys, a 19th century chuck wagon and a Civil War campsite by the Walton Guard.
Other local historical groups will include the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), the 150-year-old Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site. The FPAN will be available to identify personal artifacts that you may choose to bring.
This free event (donations gladly accepted) is sponsored by Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks in partnership with the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Lunch items will be available for donations. No pets please. The park is located off Highway 20, just east of the Rocky Bayou Bridge. For more information call the park at 850-833-9144.