Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Continues Through 5:00 pm Sunday
Pleasant weather helped bring out big crowds for Pioneer Days
Among the exhibits was a cypress log dug-out canoe being carved. Visitors could try their hand at the process.
The Blacksmith's rules made sense to many.
Some 40 local organizations took part in the Pioneer Days, many showing off their work and recruiting new members.
Friends and family gathered for a photo with Gladys Howell, front center, who was named the Pioneer of the Year. Front Row, seated, are Dale Pratt and Gladys Howell. Standing, left to right are Terrye Howell, Sabrina Mitchell, Michelle Trantham, Becky Batman, Twanna Howell Davis, Dene Howell, Dr. Carolyn Howell Pass. Pioneer Gladys Howell. 94, taught school in Lake Wales for more than 30 years, and was the first teacher in Polk County to raise funds to take her 4th grade class to Washington D.C. to study civics.
Blacksmiths, crafters, and thousands of their admirers turned out for the annual Pioneer Days today in Lake Wales. The event, sponsored by the Lake Wales History Museum, runs through the weekend.
Great weather seemed to draw out the crowds for the event, and they found lots to do and admire, with demonstrations of lots of pioneer crafts from broom-making to canoe carving. Antique tractors and cars, plenty of live music, a dozen food trucks, a beer garden and the annual recognition of the Pioneer of the Year were favorites.
Dozens of local civic organizations also erected booths to share information about their programs and activities.
Exhibitions of wood working & turning, cast-iron pioneer camp fire cooking, weaving, knitting, spinning, basket weaving and pine needle basket making, candle making and dipping, and a 1861 cracker chuck wagon also drew curious visitors.
Forty craft market vendors are offering a range of handmade items, including gemstone and silver jewelry, home goods, kitchen items, gourds woven with natural materials, essential oils, organic & natural clothing & hats, handmade holiday home décor items & candles, organic health products, nail polish, fiber art & crocheted home goods, hand spun & dyed yarn, reclaimed and recycled art, wood décor, home goods, hair accessories, Teddy bears, photography artwork, bath & body care products, greeting cards, children's items, repurposed furniture, gourmet and homemade culinary & food gifts.
The event runs Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
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