The Great Trail

Weirton, WV
Creekside Estates 

Once again I find myself getting behind.  We've been busy and the WIFI is so slow that I haven't even spent much time reading on the internet. 

Yesterday we visited Nicky and Nikki.   They have a really busy schedule with the kids activities and yesterday was a day that they were free from activities.  

We played a board game with the family.  

Levani and Olivia really get along well together.  

Here's a photo of the whole family.

Today Shay and Misty rode over to Malvern, Ohio with us for The Great Trail Arts & Crafts Festival.  The festival has living history, art & crafts, music, dancing, and so much more.

Are you're wondering how the name of the Great Trail came about?  It was the overland route from Pittsburgh to Detroit. The path was used during the French and Indian War, Pontiac's Resistance, the American Revolution, and the Indian War of 1812.

As soon as we entered the gates, I knew Bill was going to enjoy this.

You couldn't have asked for a nicer day for the event.  

We had so much fun.

All ages were participating.  

I loved the period clothing.

There's nothing like hearing bagpipes.

There were all kinds of different crafts.

This women made spinning yarn look so simple.

One thing I didn't mention is that most of the booths were made of rough cut wood.  

Bill found the Gun Shop.  It began in 1988 to show the public that muzzleloading guns are works of art.  The shop represents the late 1700's to early 1800's and and was occupied by craftsmen who were making the firearms.

Yes, that's how the made them way back then. 

These guys made you think you were living in that time period.

You were allowed to walk through the encampment area where families were staying.

These people were really enjoying the weekend.   I can't imagine what it would be like to stay in these tents in rainy weather.  

Many of the people had wares for sales.

I loved the Studebaker wagon.

This was the blacksmith wagon.

They are lined up for the hatchet throwing.  Notice how authentic this guy is--no underwear for him. 

Did I mention we all had buffalo burgers for lunch?  We didn't get photos of the herd of bison.  In 1983 five bison were purchased for the historic theme of the festival. Today there are about 50 bison.  

In 2004 a stillborn white buffalo calf was found along the fence line.  Little Spirit was transferred to a freeze dry taxidermist to be preserved.  One in six billion is the odds of a white buffalo being born.

We continued the day by celebrating Doug's birthday.

It couldn't have been a better Labor Day.  

Turtle Safely........