History comes alive at Audubon Acres for one week every year as schools and families experience the 1800s way of life.
For thousands of years, along the forested banks of South Chickamauga Creek, early inhabitants lived a different way of life. They sawed their lumber, braided their ropes and cooked over hot coals. Monday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Nov. 23, those historical sights, sounds and smells will enliven the land once again, during Audubon Acres' annual Walker Farm Pioneer Days festival.
Hosted within the 130-acre nature sanctuary owned by Chattanooga Audubon Society, Pioneer Days boasts up to 25 interactive, living history demonstrations.
“One of the unique things about Pioneer Days is that nearly all demonstrations are hands-on. The students love to take turns washing laundry using a washboard and a clothesline, or churning their butter,” said Jessica Whitehorn, education director at Chattanooga Audubon Society.
Participants will also be able to shell corn, make and taste apple cider, create period-appropriate toys and observe blacksmiths, weavers, candlemakers and salt makers. Additionally, Audubon’s historic Spring Frog Cabin will be open for tours. The cabin was inhabited in the early 19th century by the Walker Family, and is the ancestral home of Robert Sparks Walker, renowned author and naturalist.
Pioneer Days is tailored to elementary school-aged children and their families, but is beloved by folks of all ages. Last year saw a record 3,000 attendees over five days. Tickets are still available in limited quantities. While pre-purchasing them is recommended, some tickets will be available on the day of the event. Parking will be capped, so carpooling is advised.
Pioneer Days will be from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. each day, and admission is $8 per person for anyone over the age of two. There is a discount available for members of the Chattanooga Audubon Society.
For questions and to purchase tickets, visit chattanoogaaudubon.org/pioneerdays
or contact Jessica Whitehorn at 423-892-1499 or jwhitehorn@chattaudubon.org.