Round Rock to host Williamson County pioneer day

Round Rock to host Williamson County pioneer day

By Kelsey Wilkinson Thursday, 07 May 2009

Washing clothes, churning butter and working in the garden may not be the first things that come to mind when you think of how Williamson County families spend their weekends, but more than 500 people are expected to do just that May 9 at the fourth annual Williamson County Pioneer Day. The area’s heritage will be celebrated during the event at Old Settler’s Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock.

The event includes pioneer activities including marbles, buzz-saw, tug of war and three-legged races. Live history presentations will also be performed over camp fires which will teach participants about the pioneers’ crops and diets. Guests can also make pioneer crafts and take historic village tours of the Palm Mansion, Rice’s Crossing Store and the Mather Cabin.

“I think it’s good for people to understand how pioneers lived because all of our families were doing this at one point,” said Lisa Worley, a curator at the Williamson Museum, which hosts the event.

Pioneer Day includes old family favorites as well as some new elements. One of the new additions this year will teach attendees how to dye clothes with natural elements like plants. The museum also added more re-enactors to the event this year.

The event will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and is free to the public. A pioneer-style lunch will be served at noon for $3 per person. Supplies are limited so guests are encouraged to arrive early.

For more information visit www.williamsonmuseum.org or call 943-1670.