Sam Lawrence, one of the volunteers who helped start the Pioneer Descendants Gathering, is shown with his team and wagon. The Gathering will be held this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2 at the Thomas farm east of Ava.
The 10th annual Pioneer Descendants Gathering will be held this weekend at the Dale and Betty Thomas farm east of Ava.
Beginning Saturday morning and running through Sunday afternoon, the Gathering can be found on County Road 341 off Highway 14, about 18 miles east of Ava.
Church service will be held Sunday from 10 to 11 a.m.
Demonstrations scheduled will include antique engines, blacksmithing, wagon rides, rail splitting, molasses making, wood carving, a wheel wright, horse shoeing, and chair caning, to list only a very few.
Exhibits and demonstrations will be from the 1860 to 1960 era.
There will be live music by local bands, as well as re-enactors of native Americans, Mountain Men, Civil War, and Spanish American War.
Events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 to 5 on Sunday. Bring your lawn chairs and plan to enjoy the day.
Admission is free and food and drinks will be available. Overnight camping is available for vendors.
This Civil War quilt, made by Betty Thomas to commemorate the 150-year anniversary of the Civil War, will be given away in a drawing on Oct. 2 at 3 p.m., at the Pioneer Descendants Gathering. The quilt is made from reproduction fabrics and features Grant and the General's Army of the Potomac.
For more information call Dale and Betty Thomas at 417-683-2482.
This event is promoted by the many descendants of Tom Brown and John Burden.
Events, demonstrations and animals brought to the Gathering must be approved by the hosts.
