Activity is at a quickening pace and excitement is building as the Pioneer Museum of Alabama readies for one of its biggest events of the year — Pioneer Days.

Kari Barley, museum executive director, said Friday and Saturday will be an opportunity to step back in time and experience life much as it was like during the early days of Pike County and all of Alabama.

Friday is “school day” and about 500 students from 10 schools in Pike and adjoining counties will visit the museum.

“Although Friday is designated as school day, the general public is welcome,” Barley said. “The students are excited and, for many of them, it’s their first experience churning butter and seeing a blacksmith at work. Some people enjoy being here with the children and being a part of their first time experiences.”

Bruce and Bernelle “Vernie” Brannen’s 2B Ranch Wild West Show is a favorite event of Pioneer Days for young and old alike, Barley said.

“Everybody likes a cowboy and Bruce and Vernie showcase the Old West in fun and entertaining ways,” Barley said. “Using stories, poems and demonstrations, they bring back to life the days of the big Western cattle drives.”

And just as exciting, is Al Bouler’s portrayal of Davy Crockett, the King of the Wild Frontier.

“Al Bouler keeps the legend of Davy Crockett alive at Old Alabama Town in Montgomery,” Barley said. “He will have you believing that he is Davy Crockett.”

The Brannens and Bouler will be at Pioneer Days both Friday and Saturday.

“For the kids, there will be opportunities to churn butter, munch cornbread and sample sausage, sweep yards, go to school in a one-room school house, play old-time games, visit a smokehouse and sit up big and tall in the old, log church.

There will be demonstrations of woodworking, rope making, woodstove cooking and other pioneer life skills.

“The Rev. Ed Shirley will lead the singing in the log church and Don Renfroe will be here on Saturday to give wagon rides,” Barley said. “We’ll have food vendors and the picnic area will be open. Pioneer Days is a great opportunity to come out and visit the museum as the place comes to life – the pioneer life.”

Admission for adults is $10; for seniors, $9; students age six through college, $8; and children ages five and under, free. Military and AARP discounts are available.

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama is located on U.S. Highway 231 north of Troy.