Kids have hands-on fun at annual Pioneer Days

Children got to bake bread, churn butter and saw wood like the original settlers of the Arlington area during the local Pioneer Days on July 27.

The annual event put on by the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneers is meant to give local families a taste of what life was life before today's conveniences.

"We put it on to remind people what life was like 100 years ago, before there was all the modern appliances and electricity," said Karen Dale, one of the main organizers of this year's event.

The Stillaguamish Valley Pioneers, who also run the local Stillaguamsih Valley Pioneer Museum, bring out some of their historical items as part of the event each year.

"We want to acquaint people to the museum. A lot of the items we've brought over are from the museum," said Dale.

Terry Legare, one of the main organizers of the event, said that people like the hands-on nature of a lot of the activities, such as sewing or washing clothes with old equipment.

The "What It Is?" table is also popular as visitors guess what old items, such as a candlestick phone, were used for.

"The kids tell me it's an old 'cell phone.' It's a phone, not quite a cell phone," said Legare.

Local parents said they enjoyed the opportunity for families at Pioneer Days.

"So far it's really fun, the kids are really loving it," said local Cecelia Lowe.

"I think it is a great way for kids to see how life was 100 years ago," she said.

Shannon Walk and her family saw the event online and thought they would try it out.

"We haven't been here before so we thought we would check it out. It's really neat so far," she said.

There were additional activities available this year, such as baking bread and sewing with an antique sewing machine.

"We tried to add more activities for the children and make it more visible in the community. We've done a lot more advertising," said Dale.

The Arlington Old Time Fiddlers were also invited to the event. Legare said they wanted to reach out to local groups that would fit with the event.

"We want to embrace the whole area and the people who live here," she said.

The event was also moved from September to July, in part because the last couple of years it has rained during the event.

"So far it's look like it's been a good move to put it in July," said Dale, who added there was a good turnout.

Legare hopes that the event can build on that momentum from this year. "It's just been a real positive experience and I just hope it continues to grow," she said.

More information about the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneers and their local museum is available at stillymuseum.org.