Pioneer Day at the Pierce County Historical Association

BAY CITY — Pierce County will take a step back in time Saturday during Pioneer Day at the Pierce County Historical Association history center in Bay City.

The free event is being expanded to involve countywide involvement this year, association President John Norquist said.

“Anyone in the county can be part of this,” he said.

This year’s event will concentrate on the era from 1850 to 1900.

Among the attractions ,from noon to 4 p.m., will be spinning on a wheel, candle making, clothes washing by hand, ice cream and butter making, river clamming, cider pressing, woodcarving, storytelling, rosemaling, and children’s games and crafts.

“We want to have as many sections as possible that people can advance through,” Norquist said, noting that not all demonstrations will be under way at once.

Background music, including accordion or violin, is intended to complement the historical theme, he said.

Food will be offered on the history center’s lower level.

Norquist said the idea behind the day is for people to gather, learn of this area’s heritage and socialize. Association members are especially concerned that the younger generation doesn’t know about their roots.

“We need to learn to be communities again — we’re not connected,” he said.

Tags: community, pioneer, day