The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm will host a Trades Fair on Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2, from 10am to 4pm in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Traditional trades and crafts people will share knowledge of vanishing folk art skills. Admission is $5 ages 13 and older, $3 ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and under.“Our annual 1850s Trades Fair offers fun activities for all ages. The event doubles as an open market for invited folk artists and crafts people wishing to sell their wares and keep these skills and traditions alive for generations to come,” explains Cindy Earls, Homeplace Lead Interpreter, Friends of Land Between the Lakes.
Children can participate in the Children’s Trades Fair by learning to make a clay pot, tin punching, 19th century envelope folding and drawing, as well as meeting the trades people and answering questions in an activity booklet. Kids can explore the farm, play with dolls, “cluck” at chickens and “oink” at pigs. Adults can join in too!
Trades and demonstrations include:
Old time grist mill
19th Century traveling artist
Early Native Indian pottery making
Fancy tatted lace making
Fine hand knitting and crocheting
General store
Homemade breads and bakes goods
Honey products and bee keeping
Spinning yarn
Soap making
Basket making
19th century dress making