TRFALGAR, Ind. – The Johnson County Public Library (JCPL) offers area residents the opportunity to experience life on the Indiana prairie in the 1800s with the Library on the Prairie Festival this Saturday, September 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at its Trafalgar Branch. This hands-on event gives you a glimpse into the past with pioneer-era demonstrations, performances, storytellers, and traditional crafts.
Kelly Staten of JCPL programming says, “Life-long learning is part of JCPL’s mission, including educational programs in a fun environment. Our Trafalgar Branch prairie is reminiscent of the Indiana landscape before it was settled and is the perfect place for this event. You’ll learn about the native grasses and how the prairie provides a wildlife habitat to birds, frogs, bees, and other wildlife and see the prairie in bloom.”
Attendees will learn about the Trafalgar Branch prairie beehives, explore the life of a Civil War soldier, take a guided tour of the prairie, and learn about its environmental impact. You can also visit barn animals and antique farm machinery and dress up for prairie life photos at the selfie station. In addition, you can watch a blacksmith at work, see antique farm machinery, attend storytime in a one-room schoolhouse, and play pioneer games.
Enjoy music when Patchwork Music plays acoustic folk music with a guitar and fiddle and the Freetown Village Singers perform traditional African songs. Hear stories about pioneer days from Daniel Boone, as portrayed by Danny Russel, and enjoy The Circle City Cloggers’ performance.
The Festival is funded by gifts to the JCPL Foundation.
