The Maple Hill Hop 157 (Finale)

Welcome to 

The Maple Hill Hop.

This is a hop for folks who love the outdoors.

Feel free to post about anything that's going on

OUTSIDE

in your neck of the woods,
no matter the season.

(Please share only outdoor posts.)

*Grab the button above to link back to Maple Hill 101.*

Another gorgeous fall weekend,
another outdoor festival to attend.
This past weekend found us at Pioneer Days
in Lake Wales, Florida.

This event serves as an entertaining way to
educate visitors about old-fashioned skills 
in a time not so long ago.

The Florida Flywheelers displayed how their engines worked
to run all sorts of machines
to make life just a bit easier for settlers.

A handsome exhibit of tractors is always a favorite.

There were drum ceremonies performed by native peoples,

as well as local artisans like Utah Farris,
who not only hand carves his flutes,

but favors us with beautiful music to demonstrate his wares.

Our friends, Faye & Lynn were on hand,
to showcase their wonderful pesticide-free, locally grown produce.
This year their home-spun booth featured avocado, okra, papaya,
and starfruit.

We took the annual hayride to learn more about
the architecture and history of this sleepy lil' town.

There is always something new to learn.

It was a beautiful day for a ride,
and we are thankful for all of the hard work
that goes into an event like this.
And even more grateful to the pioneers
who started it all.

That's what's happening where we are.
What's going on outside in your town?
Let's HOP!

***Thank you for being a part of The Maple Hill Hop
over the past three years.
We have enjoyed sharing your outdoor posts.   

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The Maple Hill Hop 104

Welcome to 

The Maple Hill Hop.

This is a hop for folks who love the outdoors.

Feel free to post about anything that's going on

OUTSIDE

in your neck of the woods,
no matter the season.

(Please share only outdoor posts.)

*Grab the button above to link back to Maple Hill 101.*

This weekend we headed back to the Pioneer Days event
in nearby Lake Wales.
This festival celebrates the founding of the city
and the uniqueness of this quaint lil' town.

There is an array of rural curiosities,
including the local tractor club's display.
This is one of Lil' Guy's favorite parts of the event.
Several times a day the tractors participate in a parade.

We marvel at the craftsmanship of local artists.
This woodworker displayed his vast range of beautifully carved household items
such as wooden spoons, measuring cups, and even backscratchers.

Something unusual we noticed were these cobweb brooms.
How cute is that?!

Another artist fashioned these wooden brushes.
It was so fascinating to sit and watch him create their bristles on a metal grate 
and listen to him talk about his creations.

Aren't these hand-crafted flutes just stunning?
It makes me want to take lessons!

One of the highlights of the day
was the wagon ride through town.
Many of the historical landmarks are showcased
in a 20-minute narrated tour.

Lake Wales features a handful of gorgeous hand-painted murals
located throughout the downtown area.

Another favorite of Lil' Guy's, 
is the True Value hardware store,
which has been in the same location for almost 40 years.
You won't find a big box store in downtown.
See the inside here.

The old arcade now houses several stores,
as well as office spaces.

A glorious day it was,
and we feel so blessed to be able to spend it together
in such a magnificent and charming little town.

What have you been up to in the great outdoors?
HOP on!

   

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