Arts and Crafts Featured at Pioneer Day
Apr 21, 2023 12:00AM ● By By Kit and Janet Burton
Live demonstrations by blacksmith Doug Ward will show how various items are made on a forge. Photo courtesy of Smartsville Church Restoration Fund, Inc
SMARTSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Smartsville’s Pioneer Day is an annual festival, on the last Saturday of every April, honoring the gold rush pioneers and settlers that made this 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 at Pioneer Day our historic church will have a more complete interior and, at last, will start to look like the beautiful building we have been working so hard to reveal. Visitors can begin to see real restoration progress.
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 this 14th event looks to be every bit as good.
Here are some of the incredible arts and crafts we expect to see this year: N. R. Vogt Art Studio & Gallery is returning with his bright, period-oriented paintings, prints, and greeting cards. Nick is also our featured judge for the children’s art contest, held annually.
From Rough and Ready Jewelers, we’ll have silver and bronze jewelry, earcuffs, rings and pendants with stones. JT’s Gems and Jewelry have hand-made cabochon stones, jewelry and hand sewn heating pillows. California Charm Girl brings women’s clothing, including tie dye and accessories.
Debbiee Designs makes wind chimes and mosaic birdhouses. Tutu Girl offers fun tutus, cool ties, crocheted animals and other crocheted items. Liladaira Farms makes soap, candles, lip balm, bath bombs, and horse shoe art. Mitoma Products will bring metal signs, kids’ necklaces and earrings.
A demonstration by blacksmith Doug Ward shows you how he makes various items on his forge. Last year he made a small spoon to a little girl. When she lost it, her parents returned after the event all the way from Marysville back to Smartsville, but couldn’t find it. Luckily, another blacksmith was still in town, so Ben Crott, Certified Farrier, made her another little spoon!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 29, 9 am to 4 pm.
For more information call (916) 838-2757, (530) 701-2639, or (530) 701-5090. Visit our website at smartsvillechurchrestoration.org.
