MT. VERNON (WSIL) -- Hundreds came out for a short walk back in time, with a little shopping, eating, and even a try at blacksmithing along the way.
The Jefferson County Historical Society held its Heritage Festival Saturday afternoon where visitors enjoyed a short walk around the village in Mt. Vernon, with vendors and period actors spread out along the way.
The festival celebrates the history of the county and provides visitors a peek at life in earlier times, says Dana Ulhs, JCHS Community Relations Specialist.
"And some of the sounds you hear are from the blacksmith shop, they're over there working and hammering, and we do have some great food today, along with our ham and beans and pie that the Historical Society sells," says Ulhs. "We just appreciate all the help we can get, and we couldn't even stay open if it wasn't for our community giving us support."
She says like many non-profits, their fundraising efforts have suffered because of the pandemic as the Society depends on those efforts and direct donations.
Hay bales replaced tables this year, and instead of two days, they cut it to one as part of the Village's COVID-19 modifications.
The Village will hold its family-friendly Candle Light Walk the first week of November where visitors experience a time before electricity.
