More than 1,000 students will converge on the Pioneer Museum of Alabama in Troy when Pioneer Days gets underway on Friday, Oct. 11.

Kari Barley, Museum director, said that Pioneer Days is a huge attraction for students who want to know more about pioneer living.

“We always have a large number of students on opening day of Pioneer Days,” Barley said. “We are excited to offer students hands-on history experiences. Students always leave with a better understanding of the lifestyle of our pioneers and a greater appreciation of what they went through.”

Pioneer Days will continue on Saturday, Oct. 12, when the emphasis will be on families and those who have a deep appreciation for the pioneer history of Alabama.

“Pioneer Days 2013 will feature a larger number of demonstrators and re-enactors than in the recent past,” Barley said. “All of the cabins will have on-going activities, such as wood stove cooking and butter churning. On the grounds, we’ll have blacksmithing and Civil War campsites and Davy Crockett will also set up camp.”

“The Wild West Show is always popular with people of all ages and we are proud to have Bruce Brennen and his wife, Vernelle back with us,” Barley said. “On Saturday, we’ll also have wagon rides and the SheBang! Cloggers will be featured entertainment.”

Food vendors will be on the grounds and the picnic area will be open.

Pioneer Days on Saturday will go into the night with a barn dance at the train depot.

“The barn dance is a new event for Pioneer Days and we are very excited about it,” Barley said. “Barn dances were popular in the pioneer days and we’ll have live music with County Road 66. This should be a great addition to Pioneer Days and we hope everyone will come out and join us for the barn dance.”

Pioneer Days will be from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The barn dance will “kick off” at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Admission to Pioneer Days is $6. Children five and under are admitted free. Admission to the barn dance is $6 or $3 with a ticket to Pioneer Days.