Flora School Days

“Back in the Saddle Again!” the unofficial theme for many activities in 2022, including School Days in Flora, Oregon. Put it on the calendar for Saturday, June 4, 10am to 4pm. But just so everyone knows, the forges for the third annual blacksmith contest will be lit at 8am.
“With much of the same and some new, anyone young or old can find something to enjoy!” exclaimed School Days Committee member Nickie Sanchez from San Diego. “I can only enjoy from afar right now, so enjoy it for me!”
Demonstrations of pioneer skills generally start at 10am and continue until 3 or 4pm. There are some skills and activities that are scheduled: grafting heirloom apple trees (2x), story time (1pm), town tours with draft mules (4x), cleaning cast iron (after lunch) and sewing bean bags (morning) to name a few.
Camp Chili Cookoff contestants should be signed up ($5 fee) setup, ready to cook at 11am and must be done by 2pm. Visitors may judge the winner of that contest.  Contestants may only have the beans cooked prior to the start. For more information call or text Shannon Wiedeman 541.263.0132.
Dutch oven implements are the focus of this year’s blacksmith contest. The tools will be auctioned off at the end of the day, along with presentation of winners. Dick Phillips, Walla Walla blacksmith from days gone by, will judge this year’s competition. For more information, call or text Nathan Thompson 509.876.7812 for more information. All metals are provided.
Grafting heirloom apple trees, hands-on blacksmith helping people make a hook, hopefully milking a cow (“Edna is ready,” her owner says, “but all kinds of prep work must to be done in order for Edna to perform at School Days!”) are a few of the new items. Also, School Days Committee members are encouraging everyone to dress as in the “old west” or pioneer-ish this year.
“We shall keep it simple!” said one committee member, “but we will be riding forth with School Days pioneer demonstrations, the Dutch oven lunch and the Pie Social!” For more information, refer to Flora School’s website www.floraschool.org, Facebook page, Instagram, YouTube channel, email floraschool@tds.net or call 541.828.7010.