as a family celebration

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Published Aug. 5, 1999

Mother Nature is beginning to don her fall attire and the katydids are providing background music so it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

And there is no better place for a family outing than Pike Pioneer Museum on Bridge Day, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sept. 11.

"Bridge Day is actually a time for family celebration," said Charlotte Gibson, museum director. "We have deliberately planned a low-key day so families can come out to the museum and enjoy each other and the activities we have planned."

Bridge Day is kid-centered with both Boy and Girl Scouts taking the lead in many of the activities.

Boy Scout Troop 41 will be assisting Billy Henderson with grinding corn and grits at the grist mill from 9 until 11 a.m. The Scouts will also exercise their arms turning the freezer for some of the best ice cream this side of the blue.

The Boy Scouts will also have a monkey bridge set up and youngsters can try learning the "ropes."

"The monkey bridge is a rope bridge similar to the ones that are used to cross rivers, gorges and canyons," Gibson said. "Children enjoy the challenge and adventure of crossing a monkey bridge and its gives the Scouts an opportunity to show off their skills in knot tying and lashing."

A special activity will involve the Boy Scouts who will assist Charlotte Wood in washing wool to be spun into thread. The wool washing will take place in the afternoon hours.

Girl Scout Troop 74 will also take part in the activities by making and serving sassafras tea and lemonade and assist Alma Bodiford with boiling peanuts at the demonstration cabin.

"Grover Poole has two new Percheron horses to pull his wagon and they will be giving rides across the bridge and around the grounds," Gibson said. "The miniature train will also be running and children and adults alike enjoy both of these rides."

Calvin Bodiford and his Strolling String Musicians will be playing in the schoolhouse, as well as strolling the grounds.

There will also be weaving, spinning and quilting demonstration inside the museum to enhance museum tours.

Kent Hendricks will hide Indian artifacts in a sandy gird area and children may hunt arrowheads to take home.

Families may bring picnic lunches or buy sandwiches at Blimpies booth which will be set up near the demonstration cabin.

"Of course, the museum gift shop has soft drinks and an assortment of snack items," Gibson said. "And we will have a full line of bridge tee shirts and caps available. We are looking forward to a fun-filled day and we invite everyone to join us."

Admission to the Bridge Day is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for students.

Admission is good for the entire day and includes admission to the museum. As always, members of Pike Pioneer Museum are admitted at no charge.