Morgantown >> The Hay Creek Festival offered a historic adventure Sept. 5 to 7 at Joanna Furnace in Morgantown.
From Civil War weaponry to kids friendship bracelets, the Hay Creek Festival was created 38 years ago to allow people of today to explore what life was like from 1791 to the 1950s.
“I’ve been going with my family since I was a kid and not a bit has changed. I still enjoy it just as much,” said Alicia Bauer of Honey Brook.
The Hay Creek Festival has many activities, but for attendee Kaitlyn March of Honey Brook, one of the best parts is the food.
“I just love the food, but my favorite part is the ice cream without a doubt.”
Cindy Bonnet worked the festival on Saturday as a cook. She cooks right in front of you on a stone oven. She specializes in fritters such as, apple, corn, and bean.
Her hopes were “for people to see how hard women worked back then and for people to appreciate the different food that they use to make,” she said.
According to the Hay Creek Festival Association release, the Hay Creek Festival had much to offer this year, such as the traditional food, crafts and activities used within the 160 year span. They offered activities for children such as rope making, candle making, tractor rides and scavenger hunts. They also offered many homemade food stands from ice cream to apple cider and sauerkraut, they had it all. There were many craft demonstrations such as pottery, wood making, rug braiding and knitting.
Joanna Furnace continues the festivals throughout the year. Coming up for the fall, the historical site hosts the Hay Creek Apple Festival Oct. 11 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 12 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Christmas at Joanna is held Dec. 5 to 7 from 5 to 9 p.m.
