By Daniel Winningham
It’s early fall and this upcoming weekend provides a couple of unique events — in east Perry County as well as Perryville — for those seeking a break from the mundane routine of staying at home.
Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the annual Saxon Lutheran Memorial Fall Festival
The event, located at 296 Saxon Memorial Drive in Frohna (off Highway C) has demonstrations such as rail splitting, sausage making, blacksmithing, leather crafting and a carpenter shop
About 50 crafters will be a part of this year’s event.
In addition, there will be various food vendors.
One of the old German traditions is an indoor bread oven.
“It’s like an old pizza oven, except it’s bigger,” said Kathy Scholl, one of the event planners.
Also available is a country store, which will offer baked goods for sale
The barn on the Saxon property dates back to the 1830s.
The event offers visitors an opportunity to get a glimpse of settler life from the Saxon immigrants, who arrived in Perry County as well as to help maintain the historic site that dates back to the 1830s.
Often, it’s an opportunity for those who grew up in the area to hold family reunions
“It’s kind of homecoming for many of them who grew up here,” Scholl said.
Other activities include corn shelling and grinding, pressing apple cider and making apple butter. Scholl said there’s even a stack of bales for the kids to play on.
“We’re really trying to do the best we can this year,” Scholl said. “I think it’s more of an event for visitors to explore (on your own).”
Admission is $5 per vehicle. This is the 30th year of the event, which was first held in 1981.
“We love to share our site with people,” Scholl said. “It is a unique historical outdoor site and we certainly hope to preserve it for years to come,” she said.
ROCKTOBERFEST
Saturday, Oct. 9, a music festival will be invading the Perryville Square from 4 to 11 p.m.
Eleven musical acts are scheduled to perform on two separate stages at this free, all ages event.
There will be food and drink specials, as well as concert ticket giveaways. In addition, there will be a 50/50 drawing with proceeds going to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.
For more information about the Saxon fall festival, call (573) 824-5404 or email slmhistorymuseum@gmail.com.
