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There’s one day of the year when history roars back to life for Millfest at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum. On Saturday, May 4, the main event is when four stories of machinery in the 126-year-old Smoky Valley Roller Mills again spin into action as they have since the late 1800s.
Lenora Lynam, the museum Executive Director, said that since the Old Mill is the only working mill using 19th century roller mill technology in the Midwest, the opportunity to see what’s both a giant machine and work of art working as it has for more than a century is a rare experience.
“It’s a tour that engages all the senses,” she said. “You can feel the floors rumble under your feet; hear the rattle and whir of machines, gears, and belts; see beautifully restored wood and metal equipment; and even maybe smell and taste a bit of the residue of grain dust in the air. If you haven’t gone to Millfest, you owe it to yourself to come.”
Tours run 9:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m. and cost $10 per person during Millfest, but all other museum attractions will be available by donation. For safety reasons, tours are restricted to those 13 years old or older, but when the mill shuts down again at 4:45 p.m. it will open up to families with children ages 12 and younger to take a free mill tour.
New this year is axe throwing from noon to 3:00 p.m. from Oak & Iron Lanes. Just $5 per person for unlimited times through the line.
Music entertainment will be available on the museum front porch 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Local group the Front Porch Pickers will take the porch stage at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., while Lindsborg-favorite folk rock band Old Man Lingonberry performs classic covers at noon.
This year in a new special treat, the music lineup will have “Bethany Goes to Broadway” at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., featuring show tune selections performed by Bethany College students who are coming back to Lindsborg just for Millfest.
To discover the arts and crafts vendors and demostrations and the food options, as well as detailed information for the whole day, go to the Visit Lindsborg blog!
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is located at 120 E Mill Street. Hours for Millfest are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum celebrates and preserves the pioneering spirit of the Smoky Valley by educating, entertaining, and building community across generations so that history comes to life.
With special emphasis on the period from 1870 to 1910, the museum includes two buildings on the National Register of Historical Places and extensive archives and artifact collections. The museum seeks to honor the rich story of Lindsborg and its people.
When it’s time for lunch, guests can purchase burgers, street tacos and sandwiches from Paradise Eats; or gumbo, tamales, eggrolls, and Asian fusion from Kim’s Express Foods or pick up a quick bite with WheatSnax, unique candies, and flavored honey sticks from the museum gift shop.
Also, just off the gift shop, guests can bid on some exciting silent auction items to help support the museum’s mission – everything from artwork to a Myra Bag backback, to a pair of tickets to one of three shows at Salina’s Stiefel Thetre! Bidding will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Finally, Millfest will also be opening weekend for a new temporary mini-exhibition in the main gallery of the museum. “Skeleton-Of-Dog… Selected Geology & Natural History Artifacts from the Bethany College Collection Archives” is showing now in the main gallery of the museum. These museum holds artifacts from the former Bethany College Museum, but these rare geological and natural history treasures haven’t been seen publicly in decades. Thanks to the efforts of dozens of area volunteers, the museum is able to present the best selection from this fascinating collection.
Adam Pracht, the museum Marketing and Communications Director, said that last year was actually his first time attending Millfest.
“There’s so much to do and see, but the Old Mill running is my favorite,” he said. “Three moments in particular: When it first revved up to speed in the morning, standing outside hearing the antique machines rumble inside, and the very end of the day after the mills are off again, but still slightly warm. There’s a promise there; that history will be here for us to visit again next year.”
Learn more at www.oldmillmuseum.org.
Significant sponsorship for Millfest has been provided by:
• CHS Refinery – McPherson, Kansas
• CKA Consulting – Topeka, Kansas
• Dröm Sött Inn – Lindsborg, Kansas
• Ehmke Seed – Healy, Kansas
• Farmers State Bank – Lindsborg, Kansas
• Kansas Wheat – Manhattan, Kansas