SPRINGFIELD – Singing Creek Educational Center is hosting a Living History Festival at Dorris Ranch on June 20, with history interpreters, activities, live music, and indigenous storytelling.
The free, family-friendly event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and marks its first year at this new location. Executive director Karen Rainsong said previous festivals were held in Junction City, before the organization started renting the space at Dorris Ranch.
At the Trails of Time: An Oregon Living History Festival, local history educators and enthusiasts will be on hand, dressed in the time period they portray, performing authentic chores, activities, and crafts. Folks and kiddos can learn to wash clothes on a washboard, sit in a canoe with the fur traders, listen to Native stories in the cedar plankhouse, and learn about Latino culture in Oregon.
“It’s important for people to understand our local history, because then if we understand our history, we can make more informed choices about how we want our present to be, and we can shape our future,” Rainsong said.
Deitrich Peters of the Grand Ronde Tribe and his family members will be there to talk about Native culture in the present day, show regalia and, weather permitting, a tipi, and play the flute.
Nigerian Dwarf goats, Oak and Orion, will be there to meet people along with their owner, Angela Petty. The two are small-scale urban land stewards who graze and browse in neighborhood backyards, alleys, and green spaces. In addition to supporting natural ecosystems by eating blackberries and other invasive species, removing fuel loads, sequestering carbon, providing disturbance, and fertilizing, Oak and Orion also engage with human friends through events, school visits, and public grazing.
More presenters and activities include Comunidad Herencia Cultural- Latino traditional culture, posters from Oregon Black Pioneers, covered wagon- guess what the item is, spinning wheel and weaving demonstrations, Lane County History Museum, and Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) will also have a booth and are accepting donations of clean, returnable cans and bottles.
The festival is at the Living History Village at Dorris Ranch, and is accessible for wheelchair users.
When pulling into the ranch driveway, turn left and go to the upper parking lot. Follow the gravel path a few steps to the village entrance. Additional parking is in the lower lot.
“Volunteers are needed to help with different aspects of the festival, from setup to staffing a booth, to tear down,” Rainsong said.
Festival sponsors include Springfield Utility Board, The Copy Shop, and The Law Office of Brian M. Thompson.
Interested entities can still inquire to become a sponsor. To inquire about being a part of the festival or for more information, visit singingcreekcenter.org or contact Karen Rainsong at [email protected] or 541 968-1986.
