Prairie Days!

You are invited to Prairie Days! Don’t miss out on this awesome historical event! Prairie Days is right around the corner, Saturday, September 24, from 10am-4pm and Sunday, September 25, from 12pm-4pm. Come enjoy a weekend celebrating prairies and the pioneer way of life! See apple butter being made over the fire, play children’s pioneer games, compete in foot races and seed-spitting contests, view local artists’ works, listen to and enjoy live music and entertainment.


This year we will have performances by The Darke County Civic Theatre on Saturday at 11am and Sunday at 2pm. Enjoy the Truest Lies Ever Told from a wandering Longhunter on Saturday at 1pm. Elixir, a unique and comedic, historical band will wrap up Saturday’s events with a musical performance from 3-4pm. The Mountain Dulcimer Society of Dayton will delight with a performance at 12pm on Sunday. Between performances, sit-a-spell with our 200-year-old pioneer volunteers in the Log House or try your hand at candle-making, tinsmithing and more! Take a stroll through the 18th century encampment and watch a tomahawk and knife throwing competition. Be careful as you are walking around the festival as the town Sheriff may lock you up! "The sheriff of Prairie Days will be available to "lock up" friends and family for a small donation." stated Parks Director, Roger Van Frank. Why will they be locked up? "Well, our sheriff is a creative one and will find something that the "culprit" has done. Some examples of these trumped up charges may include: Breathing someone else's air, Smelling someone else's flower or even enjoying the taste of that apple! This is designed to be a fun-filled way for someone to donate money to the Friends of the Darke County Parks, and get a great photo op of a loved one in the stocks at the same time!"

And what is a festival without food?! Participate in a pie-baking or pie-eating contest. Take a load off as you enjoy fresh produce from Downing’s Fruit Farm or visit one of the many non-profit vendors serving a wide variety of foods for lunch, snacks and more! Food options will include coyote stew, sweet potato fries, pizza rolls and much more. Try your luck at the annual basket raffle, and so much more!


We hope to see you next weekend at Shawnee Prairie Preserve, 4267 St. Rt. 502 West, where admission and parking are FREE! Transportation from the main parking areas will once again be provided by Greenville Transit System (GTS). Parking areas will be well marked with plenty of signage. This will make getting to and from the parking area to the festival grounds quick, effective and safe for all family members. Handicap parking will once again be held in the paved lot at the Nature Center (please be sure to have your Handicap Placard visible). For more information, call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165 or visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org