LISBON - The pioneers of yesteryear are set to make a triumphant return at an upcoming festival held at Beaver Creek State Park.
The festival, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7 at the park's Echo Dell Road location, will feature a wide variety of craft vendors and jewelry makers and a working blacksmith.
The location features a blacksmith shop, school house, log cabin home, chapel, covered bridge and grist mill.
"I think it's a great event for young kids all the way up to senior citizens," said Jim Voorhees, a member of the Friends of Beaver Creek State Park. "There are special events geared toward young children, and old-time music for older people to enjoy," he said.
Voorhees also said a trading post will be selling old-time candies, pioneer toys for children, and wheat ground at the park's grist mill. Voorhees said the mill was built in 1830 and that it would be operating around 1 p.m. on each day.
Mike Newbold, who is also a member of the Friends of Beaver Creek State Park, said his advice for people attending for the first time would be to enjoy and absorb what they can.
"Most of the items we demonstrate are becoming lost to society," he said. "I hope people learn what they can and pass it on to the next generation."
Newbold said people attending the event on Sunday will have the opportunity to hear from Bob Rupert, an expert on blacksmithing history who has traveled throughout the world.
"Beaver Creek State Park is one of the best keep secrets in the tri-state region, "Voorhees said. "If you haven't yet been there, you won't regret it."
Voorhees said the event is free to the public, but that Friends of Beaver Creek State Park will accept donations.
