As we approach the 175th anniversary of the founding of Bethel, it seems appropriate to include artisans in the Septaquintaquinquecentennial events. We also thought it was the perfect opportunity to invite third thru fifth grade school children to Bethel again to participate in Heritage Days. Demonstrations we plan to include are making apple butter, rug weaving, quilitng, shearing sheep, making donuts, fiddle music and dance, knitting or crocheting, baking bread in an outdoor oven, and more.
Students will take turns at each demonstration. Their schedule for the day also includes a tour of some of the Colony homes on the National Register of Historic Places, as a guide points out how people lived without electricity and other modern conveniences.
Cost is $5 per student, and includes a sack lunch.
We hope you’ll consider bringing your third through fifth grade students to experience this historical aspect of their local community. Contact us for more information, or to reserve a spot for your group’s visit. For booking info or questions, contact Wendy at 573-822-9498, or email wendyinbethel@gmail.com.
One of the things that stands out in the history of Bethel is the rich heritage of skilled artisans who were part of founding this community. Bricklayers, bakers, builders, weavers, blacksmiths, brewers, seamstresses and glove makers, just to name a few, made their living using these skills. Plus, musicians played a large role in community life; celebrations of any kind always included music, and the German band was famous in the region.
We’re looking for local residents who could provide educational demonstrations to visiting elementary students (third through fifth grade). If you have an interest, or know of someone who would be able to demonstrate, please let us know. Some of those could include:
- Baking Bread in Outdoor Oven
- Making Apple Butter
- Soap Making
- Knitting or Crocheting
- Rug Weaving
- Chair Caning
- Blacksmith
- Quilting
- Rug Hooking
- Making Brick
- Making Donuts
- Fiddle Music & Dance
- Scherenschnitte
- Shearing Sheep
During Friday’s event, students will take turns at each demonstration. Their schedule from 9:00am until 1:30pm also includes a tour of some of the Colony homes, and lunch. Artisans are invited to sell gifts and souvenirs during the event. For booking or questions, contact us at 573-822-9498, or email wendyinbethel@gmail.com.
ANNIVERSARY EVENTS – OCTOBER 5TH
• Folk art demonstrations and shops open at 9:00am
• German Smorgasbord in the Fest Hall at Lunch
• Colony Home Tours (purchase tickets on site)
• Founders Reception – Visit with Colony descendants, family, and friends at an afternoon reception with cake and punch.
• Anniversary Dinner at the Fest Hall (advance tickets only; includes admission to the Pageant)
• Bethel Pageant (re-enactment of the Bethel Story) at 7pm; tickets at the door
