Yellow River Festival

The 2nd Annual Yellow River Festival looks to be bigger and better than last year. The happening is Saturday, June 7. The mission hasn't changed nor have the hours. The Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. and lasts until sundown. It's all about celebrating the first 30 years of Marshall County history, encompassing 1834-1864 with period music and dancing, storytelling, Indian dances and demonstrations, food, crafts and activities for the children.

Once again, letters were mailed to not-for-profit groups soliciting them to sell food or crafts reflecting the period as a fundraiser. The response was overwhelming according to Jerry Nikitas and Teressa Wellborn who chair the committee. Returning from last year will be fried bread, a roasted hog, chicken and noodles, sassafras tea, lemonade and homemade ice cream. Nikitas, founder of the event, reports he receives calls on a daily basis due to advertising in the Indiana Festival Guide.

Every effort is being made to preserve the era, devoid of modern innovations. Open fires for food preparation are encouraged as are costumes.

And music there will be. The headliner this year is Kennedy's Kitchen doing traditional Irish music reflecting one of the many ethnic groups that moved into the county. And there are many-- Swedish, Belgian, German, Hispanic, Irish, English and Scotch.

The City of Plymouth has supported the concept from its earliest evolution. Mayor Senter has continued that support.

Linda Rippy, executive director of the Marshall County Historical Society, will be making opening remarks with Teressa Welborn, president of Wythougan Valley Preservation Association, and Margot Nikitas, Nikitas' daughter speaking in dialect.

George Schricker has filled the day with music from beginning to end. Schricker will be singing his own version of a song about the Yellow River based on a phrase from Daniel McDonald's writings. "There's a tiny little river not so very far away; water clear and sandy bottom, on its banks the muskrats play" inspired Schricker's composition.

11-12	Marcie Prochaska (Historical) Hammer Dulcimer
12 - 1	George & Michele Schricker (Ballads about the period.)
1 - 2	Winter Hawk Drum (Native American)
2 -3	Mark & Liza Woolever (Historical)
3- 4	Pay The Piper (Historical)
4 - 5	Winter Hawk Drum
5 - 6	Kennedy's Kitchen (Celtic) Jigs and Reels and ballads from the period.
6 - 7	Open Mic for adults and students
7 - Closing	Karen Andrews/Mark & Liza & Marcia Procheska with historical dance

Steve Weaver, committee member, has designed limited edition tee-shirts and a poster that will be available for sale. A cookbook designed by Margot Nikitas reflecting period food will also be available.

The rich culture of the original inhabitants who lived on the banks of the river and fished will be evident. Norman Rhoades, second chief of the Metis band, will be on site with craft demonstrations as well as dances, drums and singing with help from other tribes.

The educational component will offer something for young and old. Candle making, a foot bridge (NOT across the river) and canoe rides will see young and old participating. Boy Scout troops will once again be posted on the river as Randy Overmyer and his crew of Tippecanoe Float Trips offer rides from the site. He's had years of experience with the Trail of Courage and Rosebud Festival in Rochester.

The Marshall County Historical Society Museum will be open with prints by George Winters, another diversion from the past.