First Friday on the refuge

Yesterday was the first Friday of August, so the First Friday family night took place. This month had a variety of activities for all ages. There was a birdwatching 101 class in the visitor's center presented by the local Audubon Club, and a display of decorated duck decoys.

.

Outside, there was a climbing wall brought by the Missouri National Guard for anyone over 15 years of age, turtles, archery practice, and a sack race. Around the campfire, where the hotdogs were being grilled, was a demonstration of canine retrieving skills.

These were the two Labrador Retrievers that showed their stuff by retrieving make believe ducks that were shot out over the pond in front of them. They were quite good at it.

There was also a local artisan demonstrating the ancient art of making arrowheads.

And last, but not least, was the dulcimer concert by a famous Missouri dulcimer maker. I learned a few interesting facts about this historic instrument. Originally, women were not allowed to play the fiddle as it was thought not to be ladylike. However, it was alright for them to play a dulcimer because it was held in their laps. This dulcimer has three strings. The left hand holds down the first string while the right hand strums all three strings. Notice that the gentleman is not using a pick to strum, but a feather from the left wing of a wild turkey. Of course, if you are left handed, like my brother Kurt, you would have to have a feather from the right wing of a wild turkey. ;)

.

As it turns out, Pam, my fellow volunteer, owns a dulcimer and I just happen to have a couple of feathers from the right wing of a wild turkey. So watch out Missouri, we might just have a real hoe down one of these nights!

.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later, Judy