Grant County Historical Museum hosts Pioneer Day tomorrow
Grant County Historical Society Board Member Bill Robinson serves Kyle Francisco, of Moses Lake, a soft drink at the Grant County Historical Museum in Ephrata. The museum is holding Pioneer Day this Saturday, which gives residents a look at how life in Grant County used to be in the old days.
EPHRATA - Basin residents will have the opportunity to travel back in time tomorrow during the Grant County Historical Museum's Pioneer Day.
People can visit the blacksmith to watch him brand wood, treat themselves to a soda pop or lemonade from the saloon or get their vitals taken at the pharmacy during Pioneer Day Saturday, museum director Pat Witham said.
"There will be activities and homestead demonstrations taking place all day," she said. "There will be real firemen in the firehouse, and someone in the main museum spinning wool."
The Grant County Sheriff's Posse will hold mock bank robberies and shootouts throughout the day as well, Witham said. Kids can also participate in stick horse races.
Pioneer Day is a good way for residents to see what life was like in Grant County before many modern conveniences, Witham said.
"It's so people can get familiar with the museum and the history of Grant County," she said.
Pioneer Day takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a host in each building that day, Witham said.
The museum is made up of 38 buildings. The newest building added was an old-time gas station.
"We're pretty much an Old West town," she said. "A lot of the buildings here are original buildings."
The church, jail and bank, along with a couple of others, are all actual buildings from long ago, Witham said.
Others are reproductions, but they still look like they came straight from the old days, she said.
This is the last weekend for residents to visit the museum since they are preparing to close for the season.
The museum closes Sept. 30 and will reopen next May.
The American Legion Post 28 will also serve lunch during Pioneer Day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Witham said. Visitors can choose between a hamburger or cheeseburger for $5 or a hot dog and chips for $2.
All proceeds will go back to the organization, she said.
Admission to Pioneer Day is $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 6 to 15. Kids younger than 5 get in free.
The Grant County Historical Museum is located at 742 Basin St. NW. For more information, call 509-754-3334.