Columbus native and electric violinist Cathy Morris will be in concert during Saturday’s Reeves Festival at the Henry Breeding Farm.
No need to ask how the Bartholomew County Historical Society will keep folks down on the farm Saturday. The reference would be to the Henry Breeding Farm, the Edinburgh area site of the annual Reeves Festival, an outdoor extravaganza of blacksmithing, farm animal fun, hay rides, weaving and spinning, live music, food, beer and wine, self-guided tours of the property’s home, steam engine demonstrations, master gardener programs and even fireworks at dusk.
Organizers hope to attract about 500 people over the event’s approximate 10-hour stretch. About 350 people attended last year, according to Diane Robbins, the historical society’s executive director.
“At last year’s event, we had people pulling over in cars and even semis and stopping along (nearby) Interstate 65 to watch the fireworks,” Robbins said.
The gathering celebrates the local Reeves industrial family and commemorates the role the Reeves companies played in Columbus through the years. In 1888, William Reeves and his three sons — Marshall, Milton and Girnie — founded the Reeves Pulley Company in Columbus. Its pulleys were later used to construct the Golden Gate Bridge.
Organizers have set admission at $10 per carload.
“We’re working very hard to make it an economical, family friendly event,” Robbins said. “We realize that not every person gets an opportunity to visit a farm these days. So, part of our simple goal is just to get people out there to see all that we have and to see everyday processes that went on 100 years ago.”
More than standard outdoor activities will be offered. The Bartholomew County Public Library will offer story times for youngsters at 1 and 2 p.m. Military re-enactors also will entertain. Plein air painters will be on hand to capture elements of the surroundings. Basket weaving demonstrations will be done between 2 and 5 p.m.
The Banister Family Bluegrass Band will perform from noon to 2 p.m. in the barn, followed by Columbus native and electric violinist Cathy Morris from 3 to 5 p.m. The local Stone Carnival Band will play from 6 to 8 p.m.
The food menu will include barbecue, desserts, and other options.
Robbins acknowledged that the weather obviously can be a bit warm in August, but still comfortable on the property.
“The nice thing about the farm,” she said, “is that there’s always a breeze.”
About the event
What: The Bartholomew County Historical Society’s annual Reeves Festival.
When: 11 a.m. to dusk Saturday.
Where: Henry Breeding Farm, 13730 N. County Road 100W near Edinburgh.
Admission: $10 per carload.
Information: bartholomewhistory.org
