Republic file photo
Blacksmith Jim Jessee does a demonstration for visitors to the Henry Breeding Farm.
Republic file photo Blacksmith Jim Jessee does a demonstration for visitors to the Henry Breeding Farm.
The old-fashioned music will mirror the old-fashioned activities such as blacksmithing at the Henry Breeding Farm near Edinburgh this weekend.
And hammered dulcimer and auto harp player Shirley Bettis can hardly be any more excited to be a part of blending the two at the Bartholomew County Historical Society’s annual Reeves Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine, at 13730 N. County Road 100W. Admission is $10 per vehicle. She and her Bettis Family band will be among the featured entertainers.
“We’ll be playing some of the old-time mountain music of the 1800s,” she said of the group’s scheduled performance from 10 a.m. to noon.
Plus, she’ll mingle with youngsters and others afterward to answer questions and teach about her instruments.
“A lot of people have never seen a hammered dulcimer,” Bettis said.
The band, together for about two years, includes husband Brad on rhythm guitar; Jimmy Bennett on lead vocals and guitar; and Kendal Hadler on bass guitar. The foursome entertained last year at the gathering that normally attracts about 400 people throughout the day.
“It was hot,” Bettis said. “But it was definitely fun.”
The same kind of fun is slated this Saturday. Organizers have scheduled food trucks, Reeves steam engine rides (which gives the event its name), hit-miss engine demonstrations, candle making, hands-on history stations, farm animals, honey bees, blacksmithing, garden tours, and more. There also will be kite-making this year, especially significant since organizers are touting the wide-open space on the property for such fun.
Plus, Cottonpatch and the Banister Family Bluegrass Band also will perform.
Historical society leaders have long said that better understanding the past provides a new and balanced perspective on the present and future.
“It’s always a lot of fun to expose people to activities on the farm,” said Diane Robbins, the historical society’s executive director.
Yes, she’s aware that this is summer. The advance forecast calls for temperatures in the mid to upper-80s.
“But there’s almost always a breeze there,” Robbins said.
She has noted that one activity generally draws the curious.
“Everyone seems to love seeing the blacksmith shop,” Robbins said. “And they (volunteers) always are sharing stories.”
About the event
What: Bartholomew County Historical Society’s annual Reeves Festival.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Henry Breeding Farm,
Admission: $10 per vehicle.
Information: bartholomewhistory.org
