July-September 2017 Programs at

Historic Yates Mill County Park Please register for programs at Historic Yates Mill. Call the park office at (919) 856-6675, or go to our website at

www.wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill for registration or for more information on our programs.

Register ONLINE for programs: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wakeparks

Public Mill Tours

A variety of tour types are available. Funds raised

through tours go to the non-profit Yates Mill Associates

(www.yatesmill.org) and support the mill’s

maintenance and operations.

Saturdays at the Old Mill Tours Saturdays, July 1, 8, 22 & 29; August 5, 12 & 26;

and Sept. 2, 9, 23 & 30; Between 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Want to get inside Historic Yates Mill? Join us for

a half-hour tour to view the main power drive and

milling machinery while exploring the mill's history

and aspects of its preservation. For all ages; fee: $5/Adult,

$4/Senior (ages 60+), $3/Child (ages 7-16), Children ages

6 and younger are free. Preregistration is encouraged.

Tickets are available inside the park's visitor center.

\Mill Heritage and Local History Tours Sundays, July 2, 9, 23 & 30; August 6, 13 & 27;

and September 3, 10 & 24; 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 4 (Independence Day); 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Monday, September 4 (Labor Day); 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Discover Historic Yates Mill - a place of business,

community, and exciting local history! Watch a brief

slideshow, then explore the inner workings of the mill itself

and witness the power of water as it turns the

milling machinery. Fee: $5/Adult, $4/Senior

(ages 60+), $3/Child (ages 7-16), Children ages

6 and younger are free. Preregistration is

encouraged. Tickets are available in the park's visitor center.

Kids’ History Detective Mill Tour Tuesday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. – Noon

Do you have what it takes to be a History Detective? Come

to Yates Mill and find out! Solve puzzles, hunt for clues and

investigate the mystery of milling with real historical artifacts

inside the only remaining water-powered gristmill in Wake

County. For all ages; fee: $5/Adult, $4/Senior (ages

60+) and $3/Child (ages 16 & under). Registration is

required. Bundle this tour with the Field School Day

program on “Hand Mills and Millstones” taking place from

10-11 a.m. for the ultimate program experience.

Organized groups may request weekday mill tours. These

tours can be bundled with a variety of educational programs.

For details, please go to our Group programs webpage.

Corn Milling Demonstrations

Yates Mill’s corn grinding operation is demonstrated

on the third weekend of each month, March-November,

and can be viewed by taking a half-hour tour

with a costumed guide.

Costumed Corn Grinding Tours Saturdays, July 15, August 19, and September 16*

10:00 a.m.– Noon and 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Sundays, July 16, August 20, and Sept. 17; 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Step back in time with our 19th century costumed

interpreters and watch the millstones at work grinding corn

into meal. Tour fee: $5/Adult, $4/Senior (ages 60 & over),

$3/Child (ages 7-16), Children ages 6 & under are free.

Preregistration is encouraged. Tours are not available

between Noon-1:00 p.m. and the last tour of the day begins

at 3:40 p.m. Tickets are available at the Mill. *This is the

day of our 12th Annual Fall Harvest Celebration.

Yates Mill merchandise is for sale during the corn grinding

weekends, while cornmeal & mill postcards are available

daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the park center.

Yates by Night:

FALL-ing for Nature

Friday, September 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening hike to enjoy the sights and sounds

of late summer. Learn tips for observing wildlife and find

out ways to identify the sounds made by birds, amphibians,

and insects as the sun goes down. Also explore fun facts

related to the autumnal equinox. For ages 7 and up (adult

accompaniment required for all children); fee: $1/Person.

Volunteer Interest Session

Saturday, August 19, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Want to do more to help out your community park? Do you

like history, the environment, agriculture and/or the arts?

Consider volunteering at Yates Mill! Join us anytime during

the program time to gather information about the exciting

ways you can lend a hand. Registration is not required. Call

our volunteer coordinator at (919) 856-5378 for details.

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Quarter Year Programs at Historic Yates Mill County Park

Discovery Tables

These programs encourage families and friends of

all ages to enjoy a park experience together. FREE!

Preregistration is not required. Head to the

park center exhibit hall.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic Saturday-Monday, July 8-10, 8:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

A "Teddy Bears' Picnic" is a song with a 1907 melody

by American composer John Walter Bratton and lyrics

by Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy in 1932. It remains

popular as a children's song today. Grab your own

picnic lunch and teddy bear from home, and head to the

park to "go down to the woods today". Come by the

Finley Center exhibit hall to explore the history of the

Teddy Bear and play some sweet bear games.

National Tell a Joke Day Wednesday, August 16, 8:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

Let's get serious now. We are not kidding. August 16th

is National Tell a Joke Day. No doubt about it. It will

be a fun-filled day, with lots of

laughter. The more jokes you tell, the

more fun this day will be. To fully

participate and enjoy this day, come to

the Finley Center anytime during the

day to share some jokes with the park community.

Maybe you’ll even win the park’s “groaner” award!

We'll have a large board set up in the Exhibit Hall

where jokes can be shared.

History Mysteries Sundays, July 16, Aug. 20, & Sept. 17, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

In July and August, see a selection of artifacts loaned

from North Carolina’s Office of State Archaeology.

In September, learn about and see pictures of an

archaeological discovery and use your detective skills

to figure out what that discovery might mean. For

all ages. Stop by the Finley Center exhibit hall

anytime during the program time.

The Autumnal Equinox Friday-Sunday, Sept. 22-24, 8:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

The Equinox signals the beginning of fall. It is the point

where there is exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12

hours of darkness at the equator. Mark the change of

seasons by heading to the park center to explore fun

facts about this special time of year. Discover how and

why the equinox occurs, and also learn about seasonal

folklore and related historical

traditions. For all ages.

Recreational Adventures

Paddle the Pond! Saturdays, July 22, August 26 & September 23

First Session: 9:00–10:00 a.m.

Second Session: 11:00 a.m.– Noon

Learn basic canoeing skills and a bit about the millpond's

history, then head out to explore the pond's many features as

seen only from the water. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are

provided, along with launch assistance. This program is

dependent on suitable weather conditions. Registration is

required. For ages 5 and up (with an accompanying adult), fee:

$10/Boat. Each canoe can hold 1-4 people (800-pound total

weight limit). All participants must sign a program waiver.

Water Balloon Games Sunday, August 27, 3:00–4:00 p.m.

August tends to be the hottest month of the year, but there

are ways to stay cool and still be outdoors. Join us for some

water balloon popping fun in the open field above the park's

amphitheater. We will provide the equipment needed to play

some fun water games. To participate, please bring safe water-

filled balloons with you and we suggest a towel and a change of

clothes. Prepare to get wet! For all ages (adult accompaniment

required for all children); fee: FREE. Registration not required.

Participants will be asked to help clean up the balloon carnage.

Special Events

The Great American Eclipse Monday, August 21, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

On August 21, something is going to happen in the U.S. that has

not happened since 1918. On that date, a total solar eclipse will

be visible all the way from the east coast to the west coast. Day

will turn into night as the moon passes directly between the earth

and the sun, casting a shadow on the U.S. that will track from

Oregon to South Carolina. Join us to discover solar eclipse fun

facts, pick up a pair of eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies

last), and head out to the park's open field to view the eclipse

directly. For all ages; fee: FREE. Registration is not required.

12th Annual Fall Harvest Celebration Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

This family-oriented event includes corn grinding demos and

costumed tours of Yates Mill, and other event activities including

a fun children’s scavenger hunt activity, live music and dance,

story-tellers, community displays, hand-craft demonstrations,

and sales, antique vehicles, farm tools, food vendors, and more!

For all ages; fee: FREE, although there is a $3-5 fee for the

guided mill tours. Registration is not required for the event.

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July-September 2017 Programs at

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Natural Explorations

These programs encourage families and friends to

enjoy a park experience together. FREE!

Registration is required.

A Summertime Stroll Saturday, July 1, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

Stroll along the shaded woodlands surrounding the mill

pond on a one-mile naturalist-led hike. Learn how shade

helps us to stay cool in the heat and use forest plants to get

your bearings. Search for summertime wildlife and explore

how they cope on warm days. For ages 5 and up (adult

accompaniment is required for all children).

Hot Weather Hiking Thursday, August 17, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

Summer means hiking in hot weather. With a bit of

planning, you can still hike safely. But you should pay

attention to conditions and take precautions to prevent

dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Explore the

ways you can plan ahead for the heat and care for

yourself while outdoors on hot days. Also explore how

wildlife deals with the heat. For all ages (adult

accompaniment required for all children).

Kids Go Outdoors Wednesday, September 27, 10:30 a.m.– Noon

Spend some quality time enjoying the great outdoors with

your family while getting some fresh air and exercise.

Develop your child’s interest in nature and listen to a

park naturalist as they share their knowledge of, and

experiences with, nature and wildlife. Learn to move like

different animals and sing nature songs. For all ages

(adult accompaniment required for all children).

A Side of History

Yankee Doodle Dandy Tuesday, July 4, 11:00 a.m.– Noon

Rev up your July 4th celebration with a fun dose of

history. Learn about the American Revolution through a

whimsical story set to the popular tune of Yankee Doodle,

where mice, rabbits, and other woodland creatures bring to

life the era’s important events. For all ages (adult

accompaniment required for all children); fee: FREE.

Registration is not required.

Lighting the Way

Monday, August 7; 2:30–4:00 p.m.

North Carolina is home to nine lighthouses including

Cape Hatteras, the tallest in the United States. Join us on

National Lighthouse Day to hear the true heroic tale of

Abbie Burgess, a young woman who was forced to run her

family's lighthouse alone in the winter of 1856. Play a

lighthouse game and make your own model lighthouse to

take home. For ages 5 & up (adult accompaniment required

for all children); fee: $6/Person. Registration is required.

Harvest-time for the Ingalls Saturday, September 30, 3:00–4:30 p.m.

The harvest season was a busy time for Laura Ingalls

Wilder's pioneer family. Put on your straw hat or sun

bonnet and head to the park to try out the types of farm

chores the family had to tackle and what they did to get

ready for winter. Explore how the family tended to their

farm animals, collected and stored fall fruits, and

prepared for the county fair! For ages 5 & up (adult

accompaniment required for all children); fee:

$6/Person. Registration required.

Gingerbread for Liberty! Friday, July 7, 11:00 a.m.– Noon

In honor of National Gingersnap Day (which

is celebrated on July 1), come to the park to

hear Mara Rockliff's story of Christopher

Ludwick, a German immigrant & gingerbread

baker who became the Superintendent of

Bakers for the American Army during the

Revolutionary War. Then pick up

historic and modern gingerbread

recipes and make a gingerbread-

related craft to take home!

Park Tales

Registration is not required. For all ages; fee: FREE! Adult accompaniment is required for all children.

The Story of the First Corn Friday, August 18, 11:00 a.m.– Noon The history of corn, or “maize”, begins at

the dawn of human agriculture, about

10,000 years ago. Ancient farmers noticed

that some wild corn plants were larger

than others, tasted better, or were easier to

grind. They saved kernels from these

plants and planted them for the next

season's harvest. Many Native American

tales address the origins of corn. Hear a

few tales, be a-maize-d by fun corn facts,

then make a corny craft to take home.

Night Animals Friday, Sept. 29, 11:00 a.m.– Noon

Have you ever been afraid of

what critters lurk in the night?

Well, sometimes possums,

skunks, and even wolves get

scared, too! Join us for a funny

tale by Gianna Marino about nocturnal

animals that are afraid of the dark, only

to find out that they are night animals

themselves! Learn some fun facts about

the nocturnal animals in the park and

make a paper bag owl craft!

Field School for Kids

Registration is required. These are drop off programs but

adults are welcome to stay – however, seating is limited.

The Milk-Makers

Tuesday, July 11, 2:00–3:30 p.m. Dairy farmers work hard to bring fresh and

wholesome milk products to market. Have

an “udderly” fun time on Cow Appreciation

Day as we read a story about cows, compare

different cow breeds, and learn about life on a dairy farm.

Then explore how milk is made into butter, cheese and other

yummy products. Wrap up with an ice cream social and

taste a "Howling Cow" treat. For ages 7-14, $7/Child.

Hand Mills & Millstones

Tuesday, August 22, 10:00–11:00 a.m. Your teeth can’t crack grain! Find out how people made

flour from wheat and meal from corn long ago, and try out

a variety of ancient-style hand mills. Survey milling history

and learn about equipment that has been used around the

world to grind grains. For ages 7-14; fee: $4/

Child. Bundle this program with the Kids'

History Detective Mill Tour from 11 a.m. to

Noon for the best learning experience.

Animal Tracks and Signs

Tuesday, September 5, 10:00 a.m.– Noon Hark! Who goes there? Let’s celebrate wildlife by

learning to read the tracks and signs animals leave behind.

Find out what animals are eating, where they are going,

and what they’ve been up to! Observe animals in

action on an around-the-pond hike.

For ages 7-14; fee: $8/Child.

continued

Quarter Year Programs at Historic Yates Mill County Park

Historic Trades Demonstration

Free demos and displays for all ages are available each

month from March to November in the Mill Yard. For

all ages. FREE. Registration is not required.

Ice Suppliers & Tradesmen

Saturday, July 15, 1:00–4:00 p.m. Cool summer treats like ice cream, snow cones, and

popsicles all have one thing in common. Ice! Valued

around the world for its cooling purposes for thousands of

years, it was first harvested as a sale-able commodity in

the United States in the early 1800s. Explore the history of

this essential ingredient and try your hand at ice bowling.

Apiarists & Bee Business

Saturday, August 19, 1:00–4:00 p.m. Perfect your pollinator perception this summer as we

explore how these beneficial insects pollinate flowers

and help our gardens grow. Celebrate National Honey Bee

Day by discovering how bee hives works, and by

exploring the ways that bee-keepers have historically

housed and cared for their hives. See what a bee

sees through a fun field exploration.

The Farm Family

Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m.– 4 p.m. While large plantations have come to represent life in the

American South, in reality the majority of the

population was made up of middle to lower

class farm families. These families depended on

the labor of the husband, wife and children for

survival. Bring your family and learn what your role

on a 19th century farm would have been through

fun activities and crafts.

Art in the Park

Registration is not required. For all ages; fee: FREE! Adult accompaniment is required for all children.

Build a Scarecrow Day

Sunday, July 2, 3:00–4:30 p.m. When you think of scarecrows, you

might think of the fall season but they

really are needed in summer to guard

gardens from hungry wildlife! Help us

on National Build a Scarecrow Day to

protect our garden by helping to build a

few spooky scarecrows for the park. We

will provide the clothes & straw needed.

Project Friendship Day

Saturday-Sunday,

August 5-6, 8:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Come by the park center any time during

the day to participate in a collaborative

community art project celebrating

National Friendship Day, which is

August 6. A variety of artistic materials

will be provided to help you to express

your vision of friendship and goodwill.

Apple Seeds & Orchard Fun

Sunday, Sept. 24, 3:00–4:30 p.m. Join us for some fruitful fun! Listen to

a story about Johnny Appleseed, the

legendary character who's based on John

Chapman, the American nurseryman who

planted apple trees in many states. Play

the game of "fruit dash" and try your hand

at the "apple bushel toss". Then create a

seed work of art to take home.