You should know

Pioneer crafts, games planned at Lake Monroe

The public will have the chance to meet historical re-enactors, watch demonstrations, make crafts and play pioneer games from July 10 to 12 during Lake Monroe annual Heritage Days Rendezvous at Paynetown State Recreation Area.

The centerpiece of the event is the Heritage Village, which will be near Lakeview Shelter on the far side of the swimming beach. Re-enactors will portray time periods from 1745 to the 1890s.

Heritage Village will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. July 10 as the re-enactors set up camp; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 11 for demonstrations, activities and live music; and from 9 a.m. to noon July 12 for a nondenominational church service and camp breakdown.

A drop-in program about beavers and their role in the fur trade will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 11 at the amphitheater.

A felt doll workshop is scheduled for 8 p.m. that day. Cost is $3 per person, and the workshop is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required and can be made from 1 to 5 p.m. that day at the Paynetown Activity Center. Basic sewing skills (simple straight stitch) are required, and an adult helper is recommended for younger children.

On July 12, an interpreter will have pioneer-era toys and games for people to try from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the center patio.

A bonus activity will be offered for people visiting the opposite side of Lake Monroe at Fairfax State Recreation Area, 9801 S. Fairfax Road, Bloomington. On July 11, an interpreter will be at the Fairfax swimming beach from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

For a donation, people can create their own plaster carving to celebrate the region’s historic limestone carvings.

Additional details are at stateparks.IN.gov/2954.htm.

The entrance fee is $7 per in-state vehicle or $9 per out-of-state vehicle.