Each year I look forward to setting up my teepee and demonstrating the heritage skills that reflect the days of Daniel Boone. Whippoorwill Village located off of Hwy 268 in Wilkes County celebrated it’s 19th Daniel Boone Day.
Edith Marie Ferguson Carter, owns and operates Whippoorwill and organizes Daniel Boone Day each year with the help of other volunteers. There were many vendors and demonstrators including flint knappers, knife makers, and quilt makers among others. Other activities included Civil War reenactment, musicians, period theater actors and more. It was nice to hear live music throughout the day.
In my area I demonstrated primitive and survival skills. Because Whippoorwill Village has a bamboo grove, I collected bamboo stalks and emerging shoots then boiled the shoots in a bamboo pot that I made over my campfire. I also used a pair of clam-shelled tin cans that produced a perfectly baked potato. My cooking demos provide me with my day-time meals. I also had the opportunity to try on a bear hide that came from a neighboring county. It made me ponder the fauna of the early days of Daniel Boone.
A number of folks expressed to me that they look for the teepee and follow the campfire smoke to the Survivaltek booth. It’s always fun to connect with friends, both old and new. At the same time I get to learn new things when people share their experiences. This is a great annual event that I highly recommend.