NEWS

Families invited to celebrate spring on the farm at Sauder Village

ARCHBOLD, OH – Families from throughout the region will be celebrating “Spring on the Farm” on Saturday, May 14 at Sauder Village. The first in the series of farm days, Spring on the Farm offers families the opportunity to try hands-on activities, watch unique demonstrations, enjoy stories and special music to experience the daily lives of our pioneer ancestors.

“We have planned many new hands-on activities as part of our Spring on the Farm event this year,” shared Kim Krieger, Media Relations. “From white washing, mowing the lawn and making candied violets to playing croquet, cleaning gourds and meeting farm animals… Spring on the Farm will be a fun-filled day for the whole family!

During Spring on the Farm guests can watch sheep shearing demonstrations and there will be new baby animals to visit in the barns. New this year there will also be a number of Heritage breeds of animals on display throughout the Historic Village – offering guests a unique look at some traditional livestock breeds that were raised by our ancestors.

In the historic homes guests can wash dandelion greens, churn butter, grate horseradish, make corn cob jelly and candied violets. Spring cleaning is fun at Sauder Village with hands-on activities including white washing, rug beating, tick bed cleaning, window washing and even using a push lawn mower at the 1920s Grime Homestead. Throughout the day guests can try hand carding wool, spinning with a drop spindle, weaving, embroidery and making cordage bracelets. Other fun activities include book readings for our youngest guests and playing fun games like marbles, croquet and a scavenger hunt!

Performances by special guest Bob Ford are also a traditional part of this family event. A folk musician from Cedarville, Ohio, Bob Ford has been a recognized performer in the Historic Village for many years. Bob brings history to life through songs and stories. Weather permitting he will perform at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

“We are always pleased to welcome Bob Ford back to Sauder Village,” Krieger added.  “Bob’s folk-song performances always bring smiles and laughter from the crowd.”

Also new this year, there will be flax processing demonstrations in the Harvesting Building. From 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. guests will be able to learn about the history of flax processing starting with seeds, harvesting and retting, followed by breaking, scotching, hackling and finally spinning and weaving. There will also be a variety of items made from flax on display and craftsmen available to help answer questions about flax processing.

Historic Sauder Village is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and each Sunday afternoon from noon-4 p.m. The Historic Village is closed on Mondays, except holidays. Admission is $16 for adults and $10 for students ages 6-16. Children 5 and under are always free with family and / Sauder Village members receive free admission to the Historic Village for an entire year. And again this year, children 16 and under are free every Sunday this season! Other special events planned yet this Spring include the Antique Car Gathering on Saturday, May 21 and special hours/activities for the Memorial Day Weekend!

For more information about Spring on the Farm or other events planned for the 2016 season at Sauder Village, call 800-590-9755, visit www.saudervillage.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Make your own special memories while celebrating “Spring on the Farm” on May 14 at Sauder Village.