Pioneer Heritage Day Links Up With Brazos River Festival

Pioneer Heritage Day, which has been celebrated at Baylor University's Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village for the past 19 years, takes on a new look and a new partner for 1998. Pioneer Heritage organizers have joined forces with the Historic Waco Foundation and will hold the village festival in conjunction with the Brazos River Festival, which is scheduled for April 25-26.
"The Ties That Bind," the theme for the two-day Pioneer Heritage Festival, will feature special guests, demonstrations and hands-on activities that will spotlight various 19th century fiber arts.
Burt Hairgrove, who has appeared in the Mrs. Baird's tortilla commercials, will perform his exciting trick roping skills during both days. In between shows, he will help children learn how to throw a rope.
For visitors who are interested in hands-on activities, there will be several offered that will appeal to young and old alike. Children can twist twine into a jump rope using a reproduction 19th-century rope-making machine, card wool, make felt beads or coasters and braid friendship bracelets. Heritage Quilters Guild members will teach quilting techniques and visitors can try their hand at making a nine-patch square to take home.
Additionally, guests can watch a blacksmith demonstrate his trade and can listen to storytelling. Members of the Heart of Texas Spinners and Weavers Guild also will show various spinning and hand weaving techniques and will display examples of their art.
The Pioneer Heritage Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission to the Brazos River Festival includes access to the village event. River Festival tickets will be on sale at the Historic Village. Members of the Strecker Associates will be admitted at no charge to the "Ties That Bind." There will be a small charge for some of the craft activities