Food for Thought programs at Potato Creek, Aug. 7

Indiana DNR Release:

The Friends of Potato Creek State Park group will present “Food for Thought” programs during the state park’s annual Tater Traditions on Aug. 7.

The programs will explore how food ways and customs have changed over the years in Indiana.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Food for Thought programs will be held in the nature center’s auditorium. Participants will have the opportunity to pack jars of pickles and mash sauerkraut at one station. At the herb table, guests can try their hand at grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle, and make an insect repellant potpourri sachet. Laney Honey of North Liberty will also be on hand to discuss honey techniques and provide samples of some honey varieties. There will also be a display focusing on canning techniques.

To finish the day, "The Northern Hoosier Hearth" will be presented at 7 p.m. by Angela Quinn. This will be a look at northern Indiana's culture and food traditions from the 1830s-1950s. This family-friendly program will look at cooking implements, garden and farming practices, groceries and markets, and recipes used by early Indiana residents, in the days before cereal came in a box or milk arrived in cartons.

The state park's interpretive service will also conduct an afternoon of special programs from 1-4 p.m. focusing on the rural lifestyle of the mid-1900s at the nature center. Activities will include contests such as cornhole, corn husking and potato races, games and various crafts. There will be a $1 charge for materials for the craft programs that will include simple wooden jewelry, candle dipping and making butter.

No advance registration is required. and the activities will be open to all. The normal park gate fee of $5 for Indiana vehicles and $7 for out-of-state cars will be charged. For more information, call (574) 656-8186.

The Food for Thought programs have been made possible in part by support from the Indiana Humanities Council in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the Indiana Humanities Council.