The annual Pioneer Days event returns to High Springs this Saturday and Sunday, continuing the decades-long tradition with vendors, bands, shootouts and Sarsaparilla.
The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Farmers’ Market Pavillion will be ground zero for the event, and Sharon Decker, president of the High Springs Chamber of Commerce, said the new location has been a positive change. The pavilion allows easy access to stores and a unified location.
She said the weekend is shaping up to include 80 vendors and a slate of bands. Plus, a Gunsmoke-styled saloon will be set up with homemade Sarsaparilla and other drinks from the era. A variety of shows are also lined up, like Border Collies playing soccer.
Pioneer Days also falls on Mother’s Day weekend, providing an opportunity for gifts and spending time.
“I think it’s a great place to bring a family and bring your mothers with you and enjoy it because now there’s places where they can sit, like the Greenway, and listen to music and visit,” Decker said.
Michael Loveday with Ameris Bank lined up the musical selection. He said the aim was to return to older, pioneer music—or as close as they can. He said people will be pleased with this year’s selection, ranging from fiddles and banjos to local country singer Cliff Dorsey.
He said it’s a really good mix with some Irish and Scottish themes that would have been common. The lineup will include mostly new artists for the event, he said.
Bands
May 10
- Sandy Back Porch: 10 a.m. to noon
- Cliff Dorsey: Noon to 1 p.m.
- Swamp Gas Fiddle Band: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Blood Snake Remedy: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 11
- Justin Mason & Blue Nights: 10 a.m. to noon
- The Varmint Family: Noon to 2 p.m.
- Rachel Grubb: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.