Free Fun in Pigeon Forge
As the hot, high-energy days of summer begin to cool and slow to a more pleasant pace, thoughts often turn to a simpler time without the hustle and bustle of modern life. This feeling is especially true in Pigeon Forge, where visitors can experience a slice of the old way of life at the 13th Annual Old Mill Heritage Day, taking place September 24th at The Old Mill.
Famous Old Mill & Restaurant
This free Pigeon Forge event offers something for the whole family. Bring along your chairs and blankets and plan to spend the entire day getting to know about a day in the life of a pioneer living in the Smoky Mountains. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., watch the demonstrations about making life happen in a time without electricity, let alone smart phones. Folks will be showing how to make and keep clean with lye soap. Vittles will be cooked in cast iron over an open fire. Cooks will make what could be a pretty hard life a little sweeter with sorghum and with apple butter.
Arts and crafts will be set up, with a special spot just for the kids. The younguns can also get up close and personal with the animals at the petting zoo. A fire truck will be on hand as well. Kids can listen to some music especially for them.
Quilters will demonstrate how to ply a needle and thread. Moonshiners will show how the stills used to work when those durned revenuers were such a problem.
You can paint a pumpkin, play an old-fashioned game, or just wander through the display of antique engines and tractors. Pick up some homegrown produce at the farmers’ market.
Throughout the day visitors can enjoy traditional music and entertainment. World-class bluegrass will play, along with traditional folk tunes. Cloggers will be showing off their fancy footwork; twirlers will be spinning their skills. If the music catches you just right, maybe you’ll stomp and slide in a square dance or two.
Even though it only lasts a day, a trip to The Old Mill Heritage Day will be enough to cast you back to a simpler time. Take a break from the everyday grind of your 21st century life and slow down a little. You’ll be surprised what a difference it’ll make.
View or Download the 2016 Old Mill Heritage Day Flyer | Old Mill Web Site
