Pine Valley, Utah – The Dixie National Forest and Dixie Arizona Strip Interpretive Association (DASIA) are partnering to provide a unique Pioneer Day experience on July 23 at the Pine Valley Heritage Center in historic Pine Valley Utah, about 45 minutes north of St. George.

“We have had a vision for sharing the history of the Forest Service and Pine Valley at the Heritage Center for many years,” said Bevan Killpack, Pine Valley District Ranger. “In 1998, we reopened the Heritage Center after many years of neglect. Visitors to the area can now come to the Heritage Center for forest and community information and a place to rest or picnic in the shade of beautiful ponderosa pine and blue spruce. This Pioneer Day celebration and other future programs offer a new dimension to this unique place.”

In celebration of Pioneer Day, forest employees and volunteers from DASIA will

• Demonstrate old fashioned crafts (spinning, weaving, soap making, and quilting),

• Play music and demonstrate dancing,

• Provide history discussions about Pine Valley and the Forest Service, and

• Teach about skills (bow and arrow making, using primitive tools and cross-cut saws, working with pack mules).

In addition to the activities, DASIA will offer a variety of concessions including caramel corn, corn dogs, scones, pies, homemade root beer, and ice cream.

“Our celebration at the Pine Valley Heritage Center is a great opportunity for old-fashioned fun with the family,” said Deborah Bice from DASIA. “We hope that people will come up to Pine Valley and get out of the heat and share in the fun.”

The event will go from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A history presentation will be at 1:00 p.m. by local historian Marian Jacklin. A pack mule demonstration will be at 2:00 p.m. Bring your own chair for the presentations.

For more information, contact the Pine Valley Ranger District at (435) 652-3100 or the St. George Interagency Visitors Center at (435) 688-3246.