A truckload of Mining Tour participants departs on a tractor. Photo courtesy of Janet Burton

YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Smartsville’s Pioneer Day on April 27 will be our 15th annual festival, honoring the gold rush pioneers and settlers that made this Yuba County town unique.  It is also our way to thank the many dedicated and generous citizens that are helping to restore the historic former Catholic church in Smartsville.

This year, our historic church will show off its newly painted exterior, solid oak floor, and the confessional with new curtains, finally moved back to its original location.  The president of the Friends for the Preservation of Yuba County History, Leroy Prindle, will once again portray the historic priest Fr. Andrew Twomey, the beloved church leader in the late 1800’s who tragically drowned in 1906 while driving his horse to mass.

A festival for the entire family, Pioneer Day features live music on stage, tours of the historic mining area, historic re-enactment, delicious food from a variety of vendors, and activities for children.  Many of our visitors return each year and our 15th event looks to be every bit as good.

The ever-popular mining tour will once again go to the Blue Point Mine and Sucker Flat, led by Smartsville Church Restoration Fund, Inc. (SCRFI) treasurer Brian Bisnett and professional archeologist Chris Ward.

Buffalo Gals, a local band, performs at a previous event. Photo courtesy of Janet Burton

The Timbuctoo Theatre’s Master of Ceremonies this year is local historian and presenter Sue Cejner-Moyers.  You’ll see historic characters, including Sue with Leslie Clarkson as “Ms. Pantaloons”, Jeff Graham portraying past local author from Smartsville, George Rigby.  Alan Cartwright, our floor contractor, is descended from the Dewan family, who had the hotel and store across the street from the historic church. He’ll share family stories from the past.  Entertaining and talented magician Leland Earl Eiben is returning to delight us once again.

Long-time Master of Ceremonies on the main stage is Ken Freeman. Pastor Jerry Cooper from the Smartsville Community Church will pray an invocation on the main stage and sing a song to begin our event.  The Clark family will perform some picturesque flag worshipping.  SCRFI Board member and sound man Beau Bevitori will once again play his guitar and sing some good old rock and roll.  Two of our favorite bands are coming back – Buffalo Gals and the Stamp Mill Stompers.  There will be a time for children to come up to the stage and play rhythm instruments with Plunky, AKA SCRFI secretary Janet Burton.

Here are some of the incredible arts and crafts vendors you’ll see:  N. R. Vogt Art Studio & Gallery, Phoenix Obsidian Designs, Lhakpa Handicrafts, Once Aday Designs, Sierra Jewelers, Tutu Girl, LilAdaira Farms, California Charm Girl, and Nitoma Products.

The food vendors this year offer a nice variety, with the barbecued hot dogs, Polish dogs and tri-tips of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Cousins’ Maine Lobster, Black Iron Bakery, Ru-talian Treasures and Rachel Jasper’s Snack and Bakery.

A demonstration by Ben Crott, local blacksmith and Certified Journeyman Farrier, will show you how various items are made on his forge, such as horseshoes, artistic designs and functional utensils such as spoons and bottle openers.

Children will enjoy some of their favorite Pioneer Day activities – gold panning, face painting and a watercolor art contest.  At the Smartsville Community Church they’ll find a giant bean bag game and more. The Smartsville Fire Protection District and our local Cal Fire always have fun items to give them.

Come in pioneer costume and enter the costume contest and if you win, select your prize from the SCRFI booth.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 27, 9 am to 3 pm.  For information, go to our website www.smartsvillechurchrestoration.org or call Kathy at (916) 838-2757 or Janet at (530) 701-5090.