Ohio Valley Frontier Days Returns!

The Old and the New at Ohio Valley Frontier Days

From tossing a tomahawk to making rag dolls, there will be two days of hands-on-history as Historic Fort Steuben presents its annual festival, Ohio Valley Frontier Days, June 7 and 8.

“For nearly 40 years, Historic Fort Steuben has welcomed people to experience history,” said Paul Zuros, director. “The festival is a chance to learn new things while enjoying the music, crafts, and food that are offered. We are grateful for all the vendors, volunteers, demonstrators, and staff that have put so much work in to making this event a success.”

Historic Fort Steuben, a reconstructed fort on its original site overlooking the Ohio River, invites visitors to meet the blacksmith, the candlemaker, the flintknapper, and the reenactors. They can tour the Officers’ Quarters, the Enlisted Men’s Quarters, the Commissary, the Quartermaster’s Store, and the Hospital as well as take in the panoramic view from the upper level of the Guard House. Artisans will offer their crafts for sale from woodcrafts to jewelry. Danielle McMahon will have her Irish Cottage gifts and, for a second year, High Flight Herbs and Lavender Farm will be selling delightful lavender products as well as wood-turned items.

Since the fort was originally built to protect the surveyors of the Northwest Territory in 1786, members of the Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio have been involved with Historic Fort Steuben since its reconstruction. Working with students and staff of the University of Akron Surveying and Mapping Program, PLSO members have developed a museum in the Fort that traces the history of surveying from the ropes and measuring sticks used by the Egyptians to the drones and GPS units which are now common in modern surveying. At the festival, PLSO members will welcome the public to the museum and will teach the history and use of the chain and compass, the 18th century method of surveying.

Frontier Dan will guide participants in the Tomahawk Toss, members of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment will portray the life of an 18th century soldier, and Baron von Steuben will teach drill to young recruits. Visitors can meet the archaeologists from Franciscan University of Steubenville and explore the ongoing dig on the site.

The Mousetrap Puppet Theater will be back to entertain visitors with their unique “Punch and Judy” puppet show. Three shows will be offered each day at 11am, 2pm, and 5pm on Saturday, and 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3pm on Sunday.

From old time to bluegrass, join Owen Hoopes on Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm as he explores the sounds of our early settlers and the many ways they've influenced the music of today.  Visit the exhibit Hall for a sweet treat, hands-on demonstrations and live grass roots music, or catch him strolling the event grounds with fiddle in hand and request a tune.  Consider bringing an instrument to share a story, jam with Owen and celebrate our musical heritage together.

On Sunday, Bill Schilling will be in the exhibit hall playing and singing period and contemporary folk, traditional, and folk-style tunes using guitars, mountain and hammered dulcimers, recorders, autoharps, ukuleles, jug and other instruments to entertain guests. Representatives of the Sons of the American Revolution will be stationed both days in the exhibit hall too.

Food vendors include The Cheesy Pack featuring hot dogs, fries, cheese sticks, pulled pork, and of course their signature grilled cheese. Lynn McLeish will be here with her baked goods, jams and crafts.

“We also are raffling off a beautiful handmade quilt made by local artisan Helen Sweeney,” Zuros added. “The drawing will be held on Monday, after the festival. There will be a scavenger hunt for the kids, too, with a chance to win a prize.”

Zuros noted that food vendors, crafters, and other retail booths will be set up in the Fort and in Fort Steuben Park. Hours for the event are Saturday June 7, from 10am – 6pm and Sunday June 8, from 11am – 4pm.  Admission to the Fort will be $7/adults, $3/youth 6-12, and under 6 free. There are also special family rates. For more information call 740.283.1787.