McConnells Mill to celebrate the past at event in its 31st year
It’s not only the leaves that are changing at McConnells Mill State Park at the end of September. The area around the historic gristmill changes to resemble the period of 1852-1928, when the mill was active and in use.
The annual McConnells Mill Heritage Festival is one of the most popular weekends to visit the state park in Lawrence County, because it features historical presentations and reenactments alongside craft vendors and music and food.
The heritage festival this year will take place Sept. 28 and 29 and is organized by the Rotary Club of Portersville-Prospect in partnership with the state park.
Dustin Drew, manager of the park, said the event is so popular because the park staff operates the gristmill throughout, to demonstrate how it worked and ground wheat into flour to make into bread. According to Drew, the mill itself is crowded with people during the festival.
“I think it's being able to pull in a lot of people and focus on the mill and its operations and that time period,” Drew said. “It helps you appreciate the mill still standing and having it open for tours and what we try to interpret and teach people about that time period.”
In addition to demonstrations of the gristmill, artists and craftspeople from the local area demonstrate their skills and sell items. Family activities also bring history to life at the park over the weekend.
Jim Butler, president of the Rotary Club of Portersville-Prospect, said the event will again feature the Ohio Statehouse Light Artillery and a cannon, which will be fired at certain times during the festival.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will lead archery lessons, so people will have several hands-on learning opportunities at the event.
“It's an enjoyable way of having a good time on a fall weekend,” Butler said. “The impetus behind our club doing this is to really showcase McConnells Mill to the public.”
Drew said the festival is also a good opportunity to view the park during the beginning of fall, when the temperature cools down and the leaves begin to change color.
“The fall time seems a little extra special, especially when the leaves start turning,” Drew said. “It's very scenic and makes you appreciate nature.”
McConnells Mill Heritage Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the park. Admission and parking are free.
More information about the event is available at McConnells Mill’s website, or at visitlawrencecounty.com.
