Ryan Shiveley and Family Traditions Animal Adventures will host Appalaachian Heritage Day on September 6 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.(Photo by Ryan Apaplegate)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
On September 6, Family Traditions Animal Adventure in Adams County will open its gates for a brand-new celebration of culture and community: Appalachian Heritage Day. The event promises to be an immersive experience, highlighting the skills, stories, and traditions that have been passed down through generations in the Appalachian region. For just $10 admission—children two and under are free—visitors can enjoy a full day of activities, demonstrations, live music, and history, all while surrounded by the animals that call Family Traditions home.
More than 20 vendors will be set up across the grounds, showcasing traditional Appalachian crafts and skills. Guests will see quilt makers at work, members of the Grassy Run Historical Society teaching children how to twist rope, and artisans from Appalachian Customs demonstrating knife making. Krieger Mountain Crafts will bring history to life by dressing in period outfits and offering bow shooting and axe throwing.
For those drawn to the excitement of horsemanship, Kelly Winkle will stage a cowboy mounted shooting demonstration, riding on horseback while firing at balloon targets, and explaining the sport’s deep roots in competition and tradition. Forgotten Way Farm will arrive in the afternoon, from 1 – 4 p.m., to provide horse-drawn wagon rides, giving families the chance to step back into an earlier era of Appalachian life.
Beyond the crafts and demonstrations, Appalachian Heritage Day will also offer rich storytelling and education. Meg McCarty will share insights into the Underground Railroad, highlighting Adams County’s role in this vital chapter of American history. Bill Wickerham will speak about Ohio’s wildlife history, while also discussing the World Plowing Match that once drew attention to the region. For visitors who are moved by music, the amphitheater stage will host performances throughout the day, including Steve Free, the band Side Track with its bluegrass sounds, and local artists Mark and Roxy Tolle. These performances will weave together the sounds of the past and present, embodying the spirit of Appalachian culture.
Food and refreshments will be part of the festivities as well. A variety of vendors will be on-site, from a food truck and smoothie truck to The Queen Beanery Coffee House, making sure no one leaves hungry. Some craft vendors will also have items for sale, giving guests the opportunity to take home a piece of Appalachian craftsmanship.
For owner Ryen Shiveley, the event is the culmination of community collaboration. “We try to think of different events that we can do here for the community, but also that support the zoo,” she explained. “Some of my volunteers came up with this idea, and Susan Crosby really headed it up. Her husband is part of Appalachian Customs, and from there, they brought in friends, and it just grew to what we have planned now.” That community-driven energy is reflected in the festival’s many elements, from the demonstrations to the newly built amphitheater.
The amphitheater, which will officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. to kick off the event, is another example of how neighbors have come together to enrich Family Traditions Animal Adventure. The rocks used to construct the amphitheater seating were donated, while Steve and Jackie Brown contributed their time and equipment to build the seating. The space will be used not only for concerts and performances, but also for “keeper talks,” where staff bring out animals and teach visitors about them, especially during school group visits.
While Appalachian Heritage Day is a highlight, Family Traditions Animal Adventure offers reasons to visit all year long. The zoo is home to around 60 different species of animals, making it a place where education and entertainment blend seamlessly. Seasonal hours ensure there are opportunities throughout the year for families to visit and explore. The zoo opens each spring on Easter Sunday, welcoming guests on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m. In the summer, starting the first week of June, hours expand to Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Come fall, the zoo operates Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The last admittance is always at 4 p.m. during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
For those who love the holidays, Family Traditions shines even in the cold months. During winter, the grounds transform into a Christmas wonderland. From 5 – 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can stroll through a dazzling holiday display, blending the charm of festive lights with the unique atmosphere of the zoo.
Events like Appalachian Heritage Day underscore the mission of Family Traditions Animal Adventure—to provide meaningful experiences that go beyond animal exhibits. By blending cultural heritage, history, music, and hands-on activities, the event creates opportunities for guests to connect with both the past and the present. As Shiveley put it, “There’s something for everyone.” With demonstrations, music, crafts, wildlife talks, food, and even a cowboy mounted shooting show, the day offers a little bit of magic for each visitor.
Appalachian Heritage Day runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 6. For $10 per person, families and individuals can enjoy a full slate of activities while also supporting the ongoing work of Family Traditions Animal Adventure. It’s a celebration of heritage, community, and the natural world—an invitation to step into history, celebrate the present, and carry forward traditions into the future.
