Events

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the hands-on experiences and fascinating demonstrations of our Heritage Skills Festival, a cornerstone of our 40th anniversary celebrations at the Grist Mill and Gardens. This special event is designed to connect visitors with the skills, crafts, and traditions that shaped the lives of those who lived and worked in our community over a century ago.

What to Expect
During the Heritage Skills Festival, our historic grounds will come alive with a variety of skilled artisans, educators, and experts showcasing the heritage trades and skills that once formed the backbone of daily life. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to watch, learn, and even try their hand at some of these time-honored practices.

Highlights of the event include:

Blacksmithing Demonstrations: See a master blacksmith at work, forging tools and decorative items using traditional methods and equipment.
Gardening Techniques of the Past: Learn about heirloom plants and historical gardening practices that kept early settlers fed and thriving.
Traditional Cooking Skills: Experience the art of open-fire cooking, preserving foods, and making bread from scratch using stone-ground grains.
Spinning and Weaving: Watch fiber artisans turn raw wool into thread and create beautiful textiles on looms.
Flint-Knapping: Discover the ancient art of shaping stone tools and arrowheads, a skill that dates back thousands of years.
Animal Husbandry: Meet heritage breeds of farm animals and learn how they contributed to sustainable farming practices of the past.

Plus, enjoy additional activities, demonstrations, and exhibits designed to inspire and educate while celebrating the rich history of our region.