September 1, 2023 3:20 a.m.

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

Fort Umpqua Days 2023 is happening this Saturday and Sunday at the Elkton Community Education Center.

Historic re-enactors will set up camp on the grounds of Fort Umpqua, a life-sized replica of a Hudson’s Bay trading fort, to show what life was really like in the Umpqua River Valley in the mid-1800s.

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

Saturday will feature Elkton’s hometown parade and famous pie auction, along with a performance from the Sunny Sky boys from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Other activities include artisan booths, tours of the butterfly pavilion and an opportunity to “Adopt-A-Butterfly continue all weekend. The Lion’s Club will have a pancake breakfast, there will be a barbecue fundraiser and ECEC’s student-run-café will offer food all weekend.

Most activities run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each day wraps up with the Echoes of the Umpqua live action musical pageant at 5:00 p.m.  The full schedule of activities is available at: https://elktonbutterflies.com/event/fort-umpqua-days/?event_date=2023-09-02