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New York settlers’ descendants share lessons of past
Adirondack farm fest marks 20 years
By Adirondack Mennonite Heritage FarmPage:
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CROGHAN, N.Y. — Descendants of the original 20 Mennonite families who settled here gathered with 400 others to celebrate 20 years of Zwanzigstein Fest.
Norman Moshier discusses the finer points of woodwork in the timber frame barn loft built circa 1874. — Photo by Ashley Grau
The descendants presented life lessons from past generations at the anniversary celebration July 3 at Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Farm.
Highlights of the festival included the Generation Games, which paired children and adults for old-fashioned games such as three-legged races and balloon tosses.
More than 15 pairs tried their luck for commemorative 20th annual “Z Fest” T-shirts.
A “sheep to cloth” display showed all the steps of wool production.
The sheep-shearing section of the display was popular, especially with children.
Other events included a rock climbing wall, live animals, and arts and crafts.
There were historical tours of the property, a regional market, silent auction, demonstrations of various crafts and goods for sale.
Zwanzigstein means 20 stones, referring to the story in Joshua 4 in which 12 men from Israel, after crossing the Jordan River, use stones to build a memorial for their children to know of God’s actions.
“As our forefathers (20 families) traveled from Europe to settle here, they too must have realized the mighty hand of God and truly worshiped him,” the farm website states.
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