Preserving the crafts of a bygone era will be the theme for the Seventeenth Annual Old Time Gathering, at Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam on Saturday, September 19 from 9am-3pm.  The event is free to the public.

old time gathering rosemaling Scheduled events will include the Swingin’ Beaver’s Square Dance Club to perform at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, and the Folklore Village Dancers to perform at noon and 2:00 pm.

Throughout the day, there will be demonstrations, hands-on opportunities and old time crafts.  The exhibits found in the Youth Building will include family genealogy, embroidery and sewing, knitting, crocheting, braided rugs, wood carving, chair caning, herbs and healing, basket weaving, rosemaling, trapping, soap making, butter making, and more.  The Dodge County Master Gardeners will be joining us again this year as well as displays from Dodge County Home and Community Education (HCE).

The Youth Building will also showcase old time tools, toys & trains, as well as make-and-take, pumpkin decorating and make-and-take cookie decorating. Old time games will be played all day.

The eighth annual Pie Contest will take place in the Youth Building.  Bring homemade fruit and other pies to the Youth Building by 10:00am.  Judging is at 11:00am and cash prizes will be awarded.  The pies are donated to the Old Time Gathering.  The Pie Social begins at 12:30pm.  Pie walks will be held at 12:45 pm and 1:45 pm.

New this year is “EXPLORE 4-H!” in the Farm Progress Arena from 10am – 2pm at the Old Time Gathering. Families with children K-12 are invited to come and explore the many aspects of 4-H and all it offers. Families can learn about the wide variety of project areas and opportunities as well as meet youth members and adult leaders from throughout Dodge County 4-H. Youth can explore 4-H projects such as archery, clothing, cake decorating, horses, bees, and more.   There will be a Kiddie Barrel Train running throughout the day.

old time antique equipment The Dodge County Antique Power Show will have several old time exhibits and will provide wagon rides free. An outdoor farmer’s market will feature honey, apples, pumpkins, potatoes, peppers, fall plants, and other produce.

Dodge County HCE will offer concessions including hot sandwiches, homemade bars and beverages in the Co-op Building from 10am – 2pm.

Dodge County 4-H Leader’s Association sponsors the Old Time Gathering.  Supporting organizations include the Dodge County Fair Association, Dodge County Antique Power Club, Ebert’s Greenhouse Village, Dodge County Dairy Promotion Committee, Eberle’s Farm Market, Waldevogel’s Farm Market, Borden’s Greenhouse, Dodge County HCE and UW-Extension. For questions on the Old Time Gathering, please call Dodge County UW-Extension 920- 386-3790 or visit http://dodge.uwex.edu