Tri Kappa 51st Annual Candlelight Tour Is Saturday

Last updated on Friday, September 22, 2017

(MITCHELL) - The Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park will come to life with historical re-enactors, crafts, demonstrations and musical entertainment during the 51st annual Tri Kappa Candlelight Tour Saturday.

Dressed in traditional pioneer clothes Kappa Kappa Kappa's Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Mitchell sorority members, volunteers and park employees will re-create life in the mid-1800s in the houses and buildings of the restored Pioneer Village from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Visitors should bring a flashlight and jacket.

The event is free, although the standard park admission fee of $7 per in-state vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle applies. Buses will shuttle visitors from the Lakeview Activity Center (nature center), campground and inn to the village.

The Mitchell chapter has sponsored the Spring Mill Candlelight Tour since 1967. It has become a popular kick-off event for the week-long Persimmon Festival in Mitchell.

Tri Kappa is a statewide sorority that supports community and state charities as well as educational and cultural projects. All proceeds raised by Tri Kappa from the concession stand and boutique in the carriage house and the beans and cornbread sold near the summer kitchen will be used to fund those projects and other community activities.

Events and Participants:

Sheek's cabin lawn: Tri Kappa members greet guests with a program of the year's tour. The Dulcimer Society of Bedford provides entertainment.
Sheek's cabin and summer kitchen: Marietta Bailiff, village weaver, can be found weaving on the old chestnut loom. New this year, the beans and corn muffins will be served out of the summer kitchen by Tri Kappa members.
Granny White lawn: Civil War re-enactor Joel Foust shows gear used by Union soldiers and talks about life in the Union 42nd.
Granny White house: Angela Edwards and children play games. Larry Cramer and Ginny East are weaving in the Granny White house.
Leather shop: Norma Hastings, village leatherworker, demonstrates making leather.
Saw mill: Spring Mill labor foreman Scott Ferguson and Rick Berk will operate the vertical saw mill and answer questions about operation and maintenance of this unique mill.
Grist mill: Luke Canfield, village miller, explains the use of the mill and sells fresh cornmeal, while Matt Young plays music and Angie Timan speaks with visitors.
Mill lawn: Donnie Hall and Rick Kattau entertain guests with music.
Wood shop and distillery: Tony and Trina Mansfield greet visitors.
Tavern: McDonald Bros. harmonize together.
Pottery cabin: On the lawn Tom and Kelly Kuchenbrod set up under a canopy.
Stagecoach trail: Just off the stagecoach trail you will find Tri Kappa members selling homemade goodies at the snack wagon.
Mill office: Jim Woody carves wood for the passersby.
Nursery: School marm April Shaw and daughters will teaching classes and care for the village children.
Garden cabin: Wildflowers and Weeds trades off with Stony Point for your entertainment.
Upper residence: April Blair and daughter Lilly will be stitching and playing games, while Left Field String Band and High Sierra perform out front.
Lower residence: In the living room, Jenny Scott will be working with a drop spindle with her daughters Grace and Maggie, along with Meg Johnson. Maggie Fleenor, village broom maker, demonstrates how to make a broom. Lacemakers Stephan Bowman, Kenna Hodges and Vickie Hout will demonstrate their art and have items for display. Rick Riggins and Debra will be in the kitchen.
Summer kitchen: Just outside the summer kitchen, Lost River Risin' will be playing music for passersby.
Spring house: Across from the summer kitchen and near the formal garden is the spring house.
Carriage house: Tri Kappa members sell concessions and boutique items. Persimmon pudding, caramel corn, caramel apples, coney dogs, nachos, cider, soft drinks and hot drinks are available for purchase. Homemade baked goods are offered at the boutique.
Blacksmith shop: Doug Alexander, village blacksmith will demonstrate his skills over hot coals. On the lawn, the 44th Tennessee infantry portrays a timeline of civil war encampments.
Meeting house: Bluegrass Express will be playing and Pastor Reggie Clark will speak.
Apothecary: Nick Mullis answers questions about pioneer life.
Mercantile: Phyllis Becraft and Dale Ann Johnson assist with sales of merchandise.

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