PRAIRIE DAYS
Saturday, September 29 10am-5pm
Sunday, September 30 12-5pm
Shawnee Prairie Preserve / FREE Admission and Parking
You’re invited to Prairie Days! Don’t miss out on this awesome historical event! Come enjoy a weekend celebrating prairies and the pioneer way of life! See apple butter being made over the fire, play children’s pioneer games, take a horse and wagon ride, view local artists’ works, listen to and enjoy live music and entertainment. Between performances, sit-a-spell with our 200-year-old pioneer volunteers in the Log House as they demonstrate many skills such as spinning, leatherwork, and basket-weaving. Try your hand at candle-dipping, tinsmithing, or take a wagon ride around the prairie. Take a stroll through the 18th-century encampment and watch a tomahawk and knife throwing competition. Visit our Blacksmith Shop to see our master blacksmith working around the forge. And what is a festival without food?! Take a load off as you enjoy fresh produce from Downing’s Fruit Farm or visit one of the many non-profit vendors. Or participate in a pie-baking contest, try your luck at the annual basket raffle, and so much more! We hope to see you at Shawnee Prairie Preserve, 4267 St. Rt. 502 West, where admission and parking are FREE!
Who has the BEST PIE in Darke County?
Do you have the best pie in Darke County? Let’s find out who really does! Come join us on Saturday, September 26th for our annual Prairie Days Pie Baking Contest, held at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 St. Rt. 502 West.) The rules are simple. Have your pie (or pies if you would like to enter more than one) to the Nature Center between 9:30am and 10:00 am. Judging will promptly start at 10:00am. The pies will be divided into the following categories: Apple, Berry, Peach, and Other. There is a $2 entry fee per pie. Please, no meringue or refrigerated pies. Your pie(s) will need to be baked in a disposable pie pan as we cannot return dishes. A cash prize will be awarded to the best in show entry. If you have any questions, please call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165. After judging, the pies will be sold at the Mad Anthony’s Tavern. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Darke County Parks. Please call 937.548.0165 for more information.