Founders Day this weekend

By Bev Woodruff, Staff Writer

Knowing where one comes from is fundamental to knowing where one is going, and the Founder’s Day festival this weekend in Liberty will give locals a glimpse into where they came from.

The two-day festival will begin on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m., with the opening of Early American demonstrations on the courthouse square. These demonstrations, which include candle making, tin punching, rope making, butter churning and many other period demonstrations, will give festival goers a look at what it was like during the time Union County was founded.

Formed in 1821 from parts of Fayette, Franklin and Wayne counties, Union County is celebrating its 191st year this year. History is not clear on how UC got its name, but most historians agree it was one of two origins or possibly a combination of both. Those origins are the name Union was taken because the county was formed from a “union” of several parcels of ground from several counties; or from the name of the earliest town in the area, which was Union.

According to the Union County Sesquicentennial 1821-1971, the town of Union was established sometime prior to 1810. The town stood on the east bank of Hanna’s Creek along a road that has long since been abandoned.

One early residence in Union County now stands on the southwest corner of the courthouse square. That residence is the Templeton Cabin, and it will be busy during the Founder’s Day festival. Beginning on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. until sold out, beans and corn bread will be served from the cabin. Baked goods including cakes, pies and cookies will also be available for purchase at the Templeton Cabin. The cabin will be manned by members of the Union County Historical Society during the festival.

On Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., a Public Auction of antiques and handcrafted items will be held. The auction is held near the cabin. Proceeds from the auction help the Union County Historical Society in its mission to preserve the history of Union County.

Ever wonder how the pioneers entertained themselves when they might have a little leisure time? If so plan to observe and/or take part in pioneer games that will be played from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

In addition to the Early American Demonstrations, vendors will offer art, craft and food items for sale both days, during the festival. A scavenger hunt will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and conclude at 4 p.m. Other entertainment includes a juggler at 11 a.m. on Saturday and a magician at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

There are too many activities to be listed in this article. See the full schedule of activities along with local sponsor advertisements in this issue of the Liberty Herald. Plan to spend some time having fun and learning about pioneer days this weekend at the Union County Founders Day festival.