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Darke County Parks
Welcome to
the Prairie
By Naiesha Thobe, Teen Scribe
The fall weather was perfect for the annual Prairie Days held at
Shawnee Prairie over the weekend. It draw many people out of their
homes to experience how life was in the past, before modern technology
hit home.
Visitors were shuttled to the Prairie were able to take a carriage ride
right off the bat if they so wished. Down the walkway led visitors to
the Sugar Shack. Here, people could partake in making candles. Or they
could experience how apple butter or apple cider was made. A blacksmith
was even on hand to demonstrate just how certain items, like nails,
were made in the past.
Another walk down the path led visitors to wagon rides that traveled
around the prairie, letting people experience the wildlife that the
prairie holds. There were several tents to visit as well.
First, the general store. Here you could buy a variety of things, such
as honey or apple butter. Raffles were also being held at this tent.
In the next tent, crafts were available for children to make. The most
common seemed to be the activity that involved making old fashioned
hats out of blank brown paper. They were a favorite of the kids.
There was a Civic Theatre performance throughout the day, attracting
much attention. As well as the general store, there were also several
other tents selling items such as handmade necklaces, toy swords, or
t-shirts. There were games and activities for the children, such as a
Spelling Bee, that kept even the smallest of children occupied.
The log house was open to the public, volunteers handing out
traditional food, such as apple bread. Visitors could experience a 'day
in the life' of a typical resident of that time period.
The Nature Center was also open and welcoming everyone who visited.
There were crafts inside as well as out, not to mention the wildlife
that always resides there.
Prairie Days proved to be not only a success, but a learning experience
for all.
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