Ozark National Scenic Riverways will bring the Ozark past to life during the Haunting in the Hills event to be held this coming weekend at Alley Spring. Fall is a season for gathering together and Alley Spring has long been a gathering place for inhabitants of the Ozark hills. This free event features storytelling, folkway demonstrations, hands-on activities, food vendors, traditional dancing, and bluegrass music.
On Friday evening spirits of the past will be brought to life through storytelling and skits from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Illuminated pathways will guide your way through Ozark legends, folktales, mysteries, superstitions, and natural wonders with spellbinding age-old storytelling. All storytelling sessions will run concurrently and will repeat every 30 minutes so that visitors can attend sessions in any order they choose.
Several talented, well-known storytellers will be featured at the event. Hear stories of Pioneer Legends and Lore from accomplished storyteller Diane Moran of Richwoods. Be captivated with Ozark Tales and Superstitions as told by Champ Herren of Marshfield. Larry Brown from Fulton will share the legend of the Missouri Skunk Monster. Eric Mansfield of the Ozark Heritage Project takes on the role of Sheriff Deatherage during the famous Baker Hanging. Mournful melodies and traditional tunes will fill Alley Mill, as played by local musician Doug Harris.
Visitors are encouraged to bring along flashlights and folding lawn chairs. Tales and legends include:
• Missouri Skunk Monster by Larry Brown
• Pioneer Legends and Lore by Diane Moran
• Ozark Tales and Superstitions by Champ Herren
• Sheriff Deatherage of the Baker Hanging by Eric Mansfield
• Curse of Healing Spring: An Ozark Folklore Skit featuring Eminence High School Drama Club
• Search for the Ozark Karkaghne Monster: A Hike to Find the Lurking Beast
• Herbert the Hellbender: A Youngster’s River Journey
On Saturday, local skilled crafts people will demonstrate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Experience Ozark pioneer folkways and traditions such as basket making, weaving, spinning, wood carving, blacksmithing, chair caning and the making of household supplies of soap, candles, rope, brooms, apple butter, head cheese and hominy and apple cider. Learn about Ozark natural and cultural history from local organizations.
Youngsters can become Ozark pioneers by trying their hands at dipping candles, making rope, or shelling corn from the cob. Attend the one-room Storys Creek School and experience a school day from 100 years ago. Play with toys and games that would have been enjoyed on the playground long, long ago.
Traditional bluegrass music and dancing will be demonstrated throughout the day. Come enjoy the musical talents of Jim Orchard and the Boys, Buzzard Run, and square dancing demonstrations by the Country Ho’Downers.
Music and Dance Schedule:
• 10 a.m. - Jim Orchard and the Boys
• 11 a.m. - Country Ho’Downers Square Dancing
• 12 p.m. – Buzzard Run
• 1 p.m. - Country Ho’Downers Square Dancing
• 2 p.m. - Jim Orchard and the Boys
• 3 p.m. – Buzzard Run
Wear your dancing shoes and bring a blanket or lawn chair for the entertainment. Food vendors will be on site Friday and Saturday, cash sales only.
Alley Mill is located six miles west of Eminence, Missouri, on State Highway 106. For more information, call (573) 226-3945 or (573) 323-4236; visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.
Comments
Sounds like a fun event, and very Ozarks.
looking for ward to the event.