Media Contact: Melissa Troyer
Phone: 574.304.3913
E-Mail: news@lagrangecountycvb.org

Photos and interviews available upon request

Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28

Lagrange County Parks remembers the lives of the pioneers August 27-28, as the work and play of 1845 LaGrange County is re-enacted in the log house village of David Rogers Memorial Park located at 2355W 550S, Wolcottville, IN.

David Rogers Days programs are featured on Saturday, August 27, 10:00-4:30, then a haystack supper break before the Folk Dance at 6:00. Programs resume Sunday August 28, 12:00-5:00. Admission is $2 per person and up to $10 for groups.

In the mid-1800s, LaGrange County's boundaries were little more than a decade old, and within those ten years, the settlers had chopped forests into homes. They had founded small industries. Food, whether garden grown or wild harvested, was stored up to last the year. And more folks were traveling to and settling the area.

Chores, work, and harvest were not all they knew. They sang, danced, made items of beauty, and took advantage of times to celebrate together. As we return Rogers Village to 1845, all of these same activities will be re-enacted. Among the pioneer home skills demonstrated include weaving, running the smokehouse, making lace, making clothes, shaping iron, and cooking.

Visitors will be able to participate in activities, too. Hands-on stations are especially suited for young people, but can also be used by someone not so young. Guests can try making a basket, decorating a tin panel, making candles, and more.

Much music will also be performed, reflecting playtime for the pioneers. Returning musicians are Chandler Lauterbach and his Sly Run band, Liza and Mark Woolever, and Suite Strings Band. Traveling itinerants may try to get visitors’ attention with magic and fascinating feats, then try to sell medicine, as the Faire Wynds Entertainers do. Faire Wynds also brings the circus--Virginia's Vermin the Flea Circus, that is.

Common Stock Entertainers wander the village peddling songs of early America and dazzling the onlookers with their treasures and curiosities from far away travels.

The world's oldest continuously running puppet show, “The Tragical Comedy of Mr. Punch,” returns with his brash antics and slapstick to get into as much trouble as ever.

The pioneers enjoyed eating, and Rogers Village is prepared for that piece of history, too. There are many foods to feast during a visit to pioneer Rogers Village.

A new exhibit for David Rogers Days is a mini quilt show. A few local quilt collectors will be displaying vintage and traditional pattern quilts throughout the village. Others are welcome to add to the exhibit: Please contact LaGrange County Parks at 260.854.2225.

For more information on this and other events, contact:

(800) 254-8090

www.VisitShipshewana.org

Email: info@LaGrangeCountyCVB.org

The LaGrange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is the official agency for tourism marketing, planning and development in LaGrange County, Indiana. If you have any questions about LaGrange County or would like more information about Shipshewana and other LaGrange County attractions, please go online to www.VisitShipshewana.org or call (800) 254-8090.

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