Special to the
Opelika Observer

On June 9, like the second Saturday of every other month, volunteers and re-enactors gather at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka to demonstrate their arts and crafts.
Blacksmiths are usually working at the forge, spinners and weavers are upstairs in the trade center, and someone is always cooking up a period meal in the cook house or outdoors over an open fire.
Visit the period gardens at Pioneer Park. The Trade Center Museum and others are open on Second Saturdays, and the Whistle Stop Pickers gather to practice at 1 pm.
Each aspect of the event is free as an educational service provided by the Lee County Historical Society.
Dr. Charles Mitchell will host a “Garden Walk ‘n Talk” at 9 a.m. at the herb and medicinal and crops gardens.
Mike Thurman will be leading a pine needle basketry class from 9:30 a.m. to noon. This free class will in the Trade Center Museum.
Also happening at that time is Dr. Paul Mask helping children learn how to make rope from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Rope was essential on the pioneer farm to harness livestock and lash timbers. Children can make their own jump rope to take home and use.
Mary Delaney and Terri Leme will be available in the Textile Room to guide participants in a variety of spinning, weaving and needle work from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
For more information, visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/