Big Oak's Living History Day highlights culture, offers unique experience

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — Looking for some good old-fashioned entertainment? Don’t miss Big Oak Tree State Park’s annual Living History Day.

The East Prairie park will host the annual event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20 at Big Oak’s day use area located at 13640 S. Highway 102.

Vendors will demonstrate traditional and historic crafts such as woodworking, spinning fiber, flint knapping and others.

Site Superintendent Elise Ratcliff said although a few vendors were the same as the previous year, the vast majority of them have never been a part of the event before.

“Many of our usual vendors from Missouri were unable to make it, so we have reached out across the river and have several Southern Illinois artisans coming to participate,” Ratcliff said.

Ratcliff said the event’s artisans will be selling their own creations of wooden bowls, homemade jams and jellies, and knitted or crocheted items, for example. Up in Smoke BBQ will have a food truck on-site selling items and beverages as well.

“Some new vendors that haven’t been here before include a vendor making handmade rag rugs on a loom, a vendor with a collection of historic weapons, a professional storyteller who will be playing the part of a school marm, a volunteer who will be discussing herb usage in the 1800s and a vendor who hand-canes chairs.

Ratcliff continued: “Several of our yearly favorites will still be attending as well, like our flint knapper and a candle dipping station provided by Hunter Dawson State Historic Site.”

Ratcliff said she will display different sorts of chains that have been made throughout the ages as well as giving people the option to try building their own chains.

“The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for the community to experience something unique that they might not be able to see otherwise,” Ratcliff said. “At the park we tend to focus a lot on the natural history side of things, and this is an opportunity to highlight some of the cultural history of this region instead.”

Ratcliff highlighted the importance of community support and participation by describing how high attendance helps them continue to put on the event.

“If we consistently get low participation, we may be forced to consider ending the event or not having it as often in the future,” Ratcliff said.

According to Ratcliff, the event has been going on for over 30 years, and it is only possible because of the community’s tremendous support.

“This event provides a unique opportunity for the community to experience something that they would normally have to drive pretty far to see,” Ratcliff said.

Ratcliff said because the event will be held outside, everyone should dress appropriately for the weather, and the event will take place rain or shine. Ratcliff also warned attendees to dress accordingly for the weather and to be aware that vendors will be set up in the grass, which may become muddy if it rains.

Ratcliff went on to discuss additional items guests should bring to be prepared for the special event.

“The park is a swamp habitat, which means lots of mosquitoes; be sure to bring bug spray,” Ratcliff said. “The event is free to the public, however, there will be food and handmade goods for sale, so you might want to bring cash as well.”

Ratcliff said the event is planned to include activities for both adults and children, making it perfect for the whole family to come and have a good time.

Ratcliff added there is a lot of effort going on behind the scenes to make this year’s Living History Day a success, and she is hoping for a large attendance and encouraging people of all ages to come.

To know more about the event, visit the “Living History Day” Facebook page.