Costumes,cottoncandy andhistoryatPioneerDay
Wearing old-stlye dresses and bonnets, the Beamer sisters looked like they came from a different era as they descended the steps of the historic Smartsville church.
The Yuba County foothills towns of Smartsville and Timbuctoo celebrated history during the 10th annual Pioneer Day on Saturday, an event that raises funds to restore the dilapidated Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception.
“We like to learn about history, and it’s always great to learn about where you live,” said Amber Beamer of Beale Air Force Base, the girls’ mother. “It’s fun to be in this small community and get to know your neighbors.”
Ayla, 9, Cozy, 6, and Nolia, 4, joined their mother as they took in the sights and sounds along the town’s main street, which was filled with music, arts, crafts, vendors and characters recreating history. “I like the costumes,” said Ayla Beamer. “I like the cotton candy,” said Nolia Beamer.
The girls tried their hand at making acorn cookies.
“They’re excited about grinding the acorns,” Amber Beamer said. “We tried it
at home but it didn’t work too well.
Janet Burton, secretary of the Smartsville Church Restoration Fund, said the event’s goal was two-fold.
“One part is the fundraising effort because it takes money to restore the church,” Burton said. “The other is to let people know about the area and its history.”
Burton, who was also dressed in period clothing, said there’s lots to see at the event.
“You can find your own treasures here,” Burton said. “I could tell you about it, but it’s better to find them on your own.”
Sacramento cousins, AV Hernandez, 7, and Nevaeh Leyba, 6, turned in their gold-painted rock treasures for a prize after getting them weighed at the assay office booth.
“It’s great to see them have so much fun,” said their grandmother, Carmen Hernandez.
Dennis and Lesley McLeod of Plumas Lake dressed up as Harry Alonzo Longabaugh (The Sundance Kid) and Etta Place – both members of the Wild Bunch outlaw gang.
“We do character representation to educate people about the history in the hopes that they will share what they learn,” Dennis McLeod said.
McLoed is a member of the Yuba County Historical Resources Commission and has been re-enacting for many years.
“It’s easier to talk to people when you’re dressed funny,” said Lesley McLeod. “Portraying someone that people should know about is a big deal.”
Leroy Prindle dressed in Catholic vestments and took on the roll of Father Andrew Twomey and shared the history of the church.
“I enjoy doing this, and people seem to be fascinated with it,” Prindle said. “It’s good to help the group out, so they can get the church restored.”
Aside from getting a glimpse inside the historic church, attendees went on tours of old hydraulic mining areas, listed to several bands and had plenty of hands on activities.