2008 Year in Review

Fun and Games at Heritage Canyon May 2-4

It was a long, hard winter. There was the ice storm followed by a nasty snow storm. The Early American Crafters were very disappointed that due to the weather they had to cancel the December Christmas Walk. And they are ever so ready now to invite people to welcome the long awaited spring with them at the "Fun & Games at Heritage Canyon" living history event.

We hope Mother Nature decides to cooperate with us as we celebrate the return of spring at Heritage Canyon. The Early American Crafters would like to invite people to come and enjoy a unique "living history event" at Heritage Canyon, which is located at 515 N. 4th Street, in Fulton, IL. Heritage Canyon is a quaint re-created village tucked away in a wooded area just up the hill from the banks of the Mississippi River. It's a 12 acre plot of land where visitors can walk the nature trails if they wish, brave their way across a 40 foot suspension bridge, or reminisce as they meander through the rustic covered bridge and look out its windows and view portions of the Canyon. They can be carried back in time as they explore the 11 historic buildings.

As with any little town we are reminded of the circle of life, from the beginning to end. There is the doctor's office with many items that came from various doctors in the area. Small town doctors helped bring new lives into being. And the 1895 horse drawn casket coach, manufactured by the Rock Falls Manufacturing Company in Sterling, IL, took many to their final resting place.

Visitors may go into the buildings and chat with the Crafters (who dress in period attire) as they go about bringing the village to life. Some of the villagers will be demonstrating skills and crafts. Others will assume the roles of hard working people from days gone by or will be portraying what life was like many years ago. School will be in session at the one room school house. (The students thought they would get out of school for a time when a couple trees fell and came to rest across the roof of the school during the winter storms. But much to their dismay, the trees were cleared and back to school the children had to go!)

Visitors can get a look at what life was like many years ago. There are many historic tools, utensils and artifacts to be seen throughout the Canyon and there will also be antique tractors on display. Visitors might observe meals being prepared in the fireplace of the log cabin or the 1860s house, or on the wood burning cook stoves in the summer kitchen or at the Town Hall. During the weekend artisans may be found working on their wares. They will be demonstrating such things as chair caining, spinning, weaving, knitting, tatting, chip carving, and more. And the children always love helping the rope maker, and taking home the rope sample they helped him make.

Visitors can become part of the hustle bustle of everyday life in the village. They can listen in as town gossips might be overheard repeating things that ought not be repeated. They can rest in the shade of the trees in the orchard. They might hear sweet strains of music drifting up from the beautiful little church in the valley as our talented resident musician plays various instruments. Old fashioned games will take place here and there in the Canyon. Renew memories as you give some of them a try. With so much going on at the Canyon, there are many great photo opportunities, so don't forget to take along the camera.

On Saturday afternoon the String-a-Longs, a group of women from the Sterling/Rock Falls area who play dulcimers, will share their music with us. Area author, Kathy Flippo will be at this event, sharing stories about life on the river.

The pie social was a hit last year, and we decided to do it again and make it even better. On Sunday afternoon there will be a Pie and Ice Cream Social.

You may even find something for mom for Mother's Day. There will be items available for purchase in the General Store, including dill pickles, peanuts, Canyon Tea, children's toys, and homemade soap. Tempting bake sale items will be available at the General Store on Saturday and Sunday. And on Saturday and Sunday there will be food, beverages, and ice cream for sale at the Ice Cream Parlor.

Fun & Games at Heritage Canyon will be from 10:00am to 4:00pm on May 2-4, 2008. The admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. (Donations will go toward the upkeep and maintenance of the Canyon and for preservation projects.) Area school groups are invited to tour the Canyon on Friday, May 2nd. Touring the Canyon is an excellent opportunity for class trips and learning experiences for young and old alike. Plan an outing at Heritage Canyon... join us for a most enjoyable day!

by  Editor, theCity1.com
April 2, 2008