BATESVILLE — Celebrate the fall season with Old Independence Regional Museum at the annual Fall Family Day set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.
The event is free and open to the public.
This year’s program emphasizes historical skills and crafts used in the original Independence County region, including soap making, spinning, pressing apple cider, fire-pit popcorn and more.
“For this year’s Fall Family Day, we are returning our focus to skills and customs used throughout the history of our region, using readily available materials to fashion goods and crafts,” states Terri Crawford, humanities educator.
Cassieopia Hursh, a native of Cave City,now living in Batesville, is a wife and mother of four who makes soap as an alternative to the chemical laden readily available products.
She uses common household items and everyday oils and herbs to craft soaps the old fashioned way. Visitors will enjoy watching as she demonstrates how to craft these soaps.
Museum visitors also will have a chance to meet Amanda Nikkel, who has almost 20 years of experience in spinning, weaving, and dyeing.
“I have taught several people to spin and have had the unique opportunity to demonstrate spinning, dyeing and weaving at numerous museums, schools, and community events.” At this event, Nikkel will demonstrate the art of spinning using wool and flax.
Cindy Bunch of Batesville will use her antique Standard Junior Cider Press to demonstrate how to make cider. She is a lifetime member of the Extension Homemakers Club and has owned her press for more than 20 years.
Washed and sliced apples added to the large old-fashioned machine will be crushed then pressed to produce the fresh cider. Samples of the cider will be available for those wanting to try it.
As difficult as days gone by could be, there was always time for entertainment with just a little ingenuity. Visitors who enjoy games can try their hands at old-fashioned bowling, a pumpkin toss, or the popcorn relay game.
Additionally, participants may test their accuracy skills in an old-fashioned game of Quoits, similar to horseshoes. These long-time games provide the perfect opportunity for quality family time, Crawford said.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lacy, 34, spent most of her life in the hills of Lawrence County. Today, she lives in Cave City, the home of “World’s Sweetest Watermelons,” in what’s known as the Prince Matlock house. Its former owner helped create what’s known as the Cave Courts where the city’s cave lies above the Crystal River. He fashioned his home out of the same rocks and materials that are found among the cave’s property, and she feels blessed to now be its caretaker for many more years to come.