August 24, 2023 3:20 a.m.

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

Fort Umpqua Days 2023 is happening on Labor Day Weekend.

The Elkton Community Education Center is planning for its annual celebration of local history. Historic reenactors will set up camp on the grounds of Fort Umpqua. It is a life-size replica of a Hudson’s Bay trading port. The idea is to show what life was like in the Umpqua River Valley in the mid-1800s.

Those attending can visit with blacksmiths and trappers, press their own cider, enjoy kid’s activities and visit live animal exhibits. On Saturday, educators from the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indian’s education program will be on site to teach people about Native American culture.

Elkton will have its hometown parade and famous pie auction on Saturday, along with a performance from the Sunny Sky Boys from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A wide range of other activities including artisan booths, tours of ECEC’s butterfly pavilion and an opportunity to “Adopt-A-Butterfly” continue all weekend. Culinary highlights will include the Lion’s Club pancake breakfast, a barbecue fundraiser, and ECEC’s student run café.

Most activities run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each day wraps up with Elkton’s live action musical pageant, Echoes of the Umpqua at 5:00 p.m. A full schedule of activities and complete information is available at: https://elktonbutterflies.com/event/fort-umpqua-days/