Little kids get to hold little critters
It’s almost Easter and the American West Heritage Center is celebrating with the community.
The annual Baby Animal Day allows children to hold chicks, calves and other animals as well as participate with their families in several activities this weekend.
For the first year, the event has extended into three days: Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Ronda Thompson, the executive director of the event, said participants can pet and hold the animals and make baskets and kites. Pony rides, historical rug weaving, sheep shearing and an egg hunt are also scheduled.
Those attending the event can also learn a little about Indian culture from a Shoshone tribe, a partner in the project. Three tribal members will be present and will be dancing for the crowd. Mountain men will be doing fur trading, too.
“It’s a family event for kids,” said Thompson. “We hold a variety of activities and it’s a good opportunity for kids to hold baby animals. It teaches kids a little history and helps them appreciate what they have.”
Thompson said she’s been involved with the event since 1993 and the Easter activity got bigger every year until it became what it is now – a huge event.
Last year, Thompson said about 5,000 people participated in the old time Easter traditions compared to 3,000 this year on Thursday alone.
The American West Heritage Center is located at 4025 S. Highway 89-91, Wellsville. Adults get in for $6, senior and students (including USU students) are $5, and children ages 3 to 11 for $4. For more information call 245-6050.
-mnewbold@cc.usu.edu