Native American reenactor John Burke will be among the featured performers visitors can see and interact with at Native American Day, which will be held Sunday, Sept. 21, from 1-4 p.m. at Smithville’s Pioneer Village.Submitted
As part of an ongoing series of events reflecting on the past and cultures of the area, the Smithville Community Historical Society will pay tribute to indigenous peoples when it hosts Native American Day at the Pioneer Village.
Native American Day will take place Sunday, Sept. 21, from 1-4 p.m. It will include demonstrations, food, music and more. Volunteers will be in traditional Native American garb and be in reenactment mode. The event offers an opportunity to learn about Native American history and culture through various activities and demonstrations.
Also included in the event will be Native American reenactor John Burke, along with a nalbinding (ancient spinning technique) demo, an arrowhead collector, a flint knapper (shaping rocks with tools, also known as lithic reduction), a tin smith demonstration, a blacksmith demonstration, a Bison burger food truck, weaving demos at the Mishler weaving mill and music, also at the Mishler Mill.
As with most events, all historic buildings in the village are open for visitors to Native American Days. Admission is free for all ages.
Other events to look forward to at the Pioneer Village are the Harvest Fest and Market on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. That will include vendors, apple butter making, corn grinding, food and music.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Pioneer Village will host trick or treat from 4-6 p.m. This is the same time as Smithville’s scheduled trick-or-treat. On Sunday, Nov. 9, there will be a Thanksgiving hymn sing from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Church of God in Smithville. There will be no open house that day.
The Pioneer Village is located in the heart of Smithville on N. Milton Street, just north of E. Main Street. The village showcases the pioneer lifestyle with buildings and artifacts dating from the 1830s to the 1890s.
The village has been managed by volunteers throughout its history, which began in 1990. It is comprised of six buildings, along with a church, a train depot and a caboose.
Those wanting to volunteer should contact the Smithville Community Historical Society at 330-669-9308.
