If you're heading south this weekend and will be anywhere near Louisville, Ky., take a detour to Marengo Cave in far southern Indiana. The cave is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its discovery in 1883 on Saturday, Sept. 6, with special $1.25 admission rates and a big festival with music by Grease Gravy, the Vittle Pickers, The Boot Scootin Grannies, Old Stuff, Corn Shuckers and Corydon Dulcimer Society. Can't be that.
There's also going to be a 19th century hand crank organ player, more than 35 demonstration and craft booths showing off the lost art of flint knapping (whatever that is) as well as weaving, sewing, quilting, tatting, applebutter making, and blacksmithing. And there will be Amish-made ice cream, baskets and a farmers market. Local craftspeople will be selling home-made soap, jewelty, wood carvings, artwork, gourds, dolls and brooms and more. Kids can try candle dipping (it's fun--my kids had a blast doing it when we visited Squire Boone Cave a few years ago), pottery making, basket and butter making, or washing clothes on a wash board. (Now there's an art I'm glad we've lost.)
Caves are great fun for kids and the great stalactites and stalagmites of Marengo are among my family's faves. Don't miss it if you're headed that way.