Celebrating history with old-fashioned fun

RATHDRUM – Music and merriment – and musket fire – filled the air during Rathdrum’s two-day Fall Festival.

History came alive with a mountain man encampment offering a glimpse of costumes, equipment, weapons and stories of days gone by.

Dutch-oven cooks provided samples of their slow-cooked dishes, reportedly going through eight pots of chili on Saturday.

“We had to scrape the pot. It’s all gone, and it was made with tender loving care,” said one cook.

Rathdrum’s Little family, also known as the Panhandle Polecats, received a standing ovation following its performance on Saturday.

The Polecats were part of an impressive lineup of bluegrass and Celtic performers who entertained listeners enjoying some sunshine before meandering over to view vendors’ wares.

The United Methodist Church offered a Children’s Garden, where kids were invited to learn a little history, play games and participate in craft projects.

Enthusiastic children created old-fashioned spinners out of cardboard and string, made pinwheels and beaded necklaces. They also paired up for three-legged races, joined in the fun of sack racing and enjoyed the simplicity of a ball toss game.

Meanwhile, treasure-seekers were delighted as they panned for gold and garnets.

Visitors to the mountain man encampment enjoyed watching blacksmiths forging various tools or men demonstrating their tomahawk- and knife-throwing skills.

Others watched with wonder as spinners created colorful balls of yarn out of bowls of mohair, sheep’s wool and alpaca fleece.

The festival raised a record $1,800 for restoration of Rathdrum’s old county jail, according to Westwood/Rathdrum Historical President Ellen Larsen, who expressed appreciation to everyone who helped with the event.

“This is a community event, put on by the community, and I am thankful to the many organizations that worked hard to get this going – especially the city,” Larsen said.