STRONG CITY, Kansas: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is pleased to announce the upcoming annual Prairie Harvest Festival and Antique Tractor Show on September 17th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how our ancestors worked to preserve food and raise crops by seeing the tools of the trade.
Enjoy an old-fashioned time of gathering together as living history characters harvest the fruits of nature in preparation for winter. The original owner of the Spring Hill Ranch planted an orchard to the east of the house with apples, peaches, cherries, and pears. Living history interpreters will be present to talk about the orchard and to demonstrate typical harvest activities, with visitor participation being encouraged.
Activities include cider making and historic demonstrations from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Kids can have fun carving pumpkins from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with pumpkins being provided. Come early, as the pumpkins go quickly; first-come, first-served. Historic ranch stove cooking will be demonstrated from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Flint Hills Antique Power Association of Emporia, KS will display vintage tractors in the grassy area near the visitor center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and listen to the wonderful sounds of John Deere, Farmall, Case, Oliver tractors and more as the Parade of Power will take place at 2 p.m. as the antique tractors create an impressive parade. Learn about the individual tractors and the part they played in our heritage. All activities are free of charge. Come join the fun and experience some good old-fashioned hard work and play!
Schedule of Events
Kids pumpkin carving 10 a.m. - 12 noon
Historic stove cooking 10 a.m. - 12 noon
Cider making 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tractor Show 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Antique Tractor Parade of Power 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve invites you to discover the meaning of national parks, how your park inspires you - both in personal connections and memorable experiences. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located two miles north of Strong City on Kansas State Highway 177 (the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway) and is a unique public/private partnership between the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy. For more information, visit the preserve’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NPS.TallgrassPrairie, website at www.nps.gov/tapr, email e-mail us, or call the preserve at (620) 273-8494 ext 270. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Kansas, visit the Conservancy’s website at www.nature.org/Kansas or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TNCKansas.
Tags: pumpkins carving harvest festival tractors
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
