Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Two of Mr. Zimmerman’s farmhands, Ephraim and Fabius, have been good-naturedly giving each other a hard time about who is the strongest, fastest and toughest at the various tasks on the farm. Most of this discussion has been purely conjecture…until now.
On May 1 and 2, guests can join the farmhands, choose sides and help determine who will be the Strongest Farmhand. At stake for the contestants is bragging rights and an extra day off from Mr. Zimmerman. Green or yellow ribbons will be given to guests as they choose their side and then they will help their team win competitions such as:
-Nail driving
-Water hauling
-Rock throwing at targets
-Stall cleaning
-Lawn mowing (with the reel mower)
-Sack racing
-Wood stacking
-Laundry washing
-Potato stacking
-Scything
-Fence building and
-Wagon pulling.
Join in on this 1886-style trash-talking extravaganza by coming out for the Strongest Farmhand competition on May 1 and 2, 2010. If you are unable to visit Conner Prairie over the weekend, come back during Indiana Festival on June 5 and 6, 2010 for the Strongest Farmhand Rematch where the loser will attempt to gain vengeance for his defeat. This is a brand-new program for this year created by two of our fabulous Liberty Corner interpreters, Jenny Sherrill and Ellen Van Zanten. Watch for facial hair on the Corner as well…a beard growing contest may also be part of the competition!
Like most families, mine marks the arrival of spring by enjoying the return of warm weather, blooming trees and fragrant flowers. While my nephews Steven and Gage join their friends counting the days until summer vacation, we also count down the days until the outdoor exhibits open at Conner Prairie. My nephews and I, along with my young cousins Lilly and Will, recently made our first trip of the season. We discovered some of the new activities that await guests this year.
This trip we concentrated on Prairietown, foregoing a ride in the balloon or a visit to the Zimmerman Farm (which usually takes up most of our time on many days). Instead, we enjoyed watching the blacksmith forge door hinges, the potter make custard cups and even helped make biscuits at the doctor’s house. We did not get a chance to try on clothes at the McClure house, much to the chagrin of Lilly. But, she was happy to join Jenny Curtis’ party complete with games, a cookie and some lemonade. We rounded our day out with some tomahawk throwing in Lenape Indian Camp and visited some of the baby animals in the Animal Encounter Barn.
As we left, I was reminded yet again why we love coming to Conner Prairie and why I joined the
Conner Prairie Alliance. I can’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day than taking my nephews and young cousins to Conner Prairie. The kids love spending the day exploring and I love that they always learn something new. The enchanting way the staff teaches everyone while entertaining them is the main reason I so enjoy working with the other Alliance members to raise funds to further the mission of Conner Prairie.
On our way home, Steven talked non-stop about the upcoming events like
Civil War Days. Lilly and Will are excited to join us for another outing. Gage simply stated, “Just wait until the
Apple Store opens! We can talk Aunt Mandy into some yummy Caramel Apples when we’re here!”