Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
September 21
September 21
Bonneyville Bake Day
This program focuses on soft white wheat flour as a product of Bonneyville Mill. The basics of soft white wheat flour production will be demonstrated by Mill staff. Several samples of completed recipes using soft white wheat flour will be offered. Participants will be able to witness the progression of unprocessed wheat berries through finished baked products.
September 22
Board Games in the Park
It’s back! Board Games in the Park is happening again, and we’re taking it to a new park. The life-size favorites will return, like giant Jenga® and Forbidden Island: Elkhart County Parks edition. Table top games will be provided by Secret Door Games of Elkhart, and visitors are welcome to bring their own. Come learn a new game or play an old favorite and enjoy an afternoon in your county park!
September 26
Tails to Trails
Explore Bonneyville Mill County Park with your canine companion. Signs will be placed along the path, so visitors can choose to walk at their own pace with their dogs, or join the group for a naturalist-led walk. Water and doggy bags will be available for pets. Dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times.
September 26
Stories of Elkhart: Coverlets
In this talk, we will discuss the vibrant 19th–century coverlet industry using, among others, examples from the exhibit Coverlets in the Collection. Coverlet weaving rose and fell as a result of innovation and mechanization. It was an industry dominated by men, such as Elkhart County’s Josiah Slaybaugh and Samuel Snider.
September 28
Plein Air Watercolor Painting
Learn the joy of watercolor painting in a workshop led by local artist Emily Austin. Emily will share the fundamentals of watercolor painting and lead students in the creation of a plein air piece based on the scenery at DeFries Gardens.
Because much is up to personal preference, supplies will not be provided. Emily recommends bringing the following supplies:
A set of watercolor paints, at least 12 colors. Emily recommends buying the type of watercolor paints that come in tubes. Reeves is a good brand for beginners and Winsor and Newton’s Cotman Water Colour line is recommended for more experience painters.
Examples: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHN688M
https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Sketchers-14-Pieces/dp/B00004THXI/
One or two brushes. Short handled brushes are best. Look for a size 4 or 6 round brush or a 1/4″ angle brush.
Watercolor paper block. 6″ x 9″ or 8″ x 10″. Larger sheets are good too, but smaller ones are easier to work with outside. Bee Paper is a good brand. Look for a set called a “block” or labeled as “bound” on all sides.
Pencil and eraser.
Cup or jar for holding water. About one quart in size.
Lawn chair, blanket, or stool. Tables and chairs will be provided, but students may prefer to sit on the ground or on their own seating option.