News Release 226

OLD DILLARD TOWN PICNIC IS MAY 10
AT DILLARD MILL STATE HISTORIC SITE

Volume 36-226

Contact: Sue Holst

(For immediate release)

573-751-6510

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., APRIL 25, 2008 -- Experience an early 1900s picnic at one of Missouri's most scenic state historic sites. The annual Old Dillard Town Picnic will be held on Saturday, May 10, at Dillard Mill State Historic Site near Davisville.  Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the picnic is 10 a.m. to       4 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

With the red, water-powered gristmill and clear Huzzah Creek as a backdrop and bluegrass music filling the air, guests will truly feel as if they have stepped back in time at this annual picnic. The Missouri Mountain Gang, a group based out of the greater Springfield area, will perform traditional bluegrass music throughout the day. Period music will also be performed by Jamin Bray, an experienced performer that specializes in thematic interpretive performance. Featured activities and old-time demonstrations will include spinning and weaving, quilting, chair caning, horseshoeing, flintknapping, basket weaving, bee keeping, wool dying and finger weaving. There will be a gas and steam engine display, along with a display by the Missouri Fur Trappers Association. Food and drink will be available to purchase. The first floor of the mill will be open with staff available to answer questions.

Dillard Mill is one of Missouri's best preserved examples of a water-powered gristmill. The mill, which has been restored to operational order, was built around 1900 and continued to grind grain until the 1960s. Picnic sites and a hiking trail are available at the historic site, which is located one mile south of Dillard off Highway 49 in Crawford County.

For more information, contact Dillard Mill State Historic Site at 573-244-3120 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or
800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at www.mostateparks.com. 

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of upcoming meetings and events in the state park system, visit the online calendar at www.mostateparks.com/events/events.htm.   

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