Old Tyme Day returns to East Shelby Church on July 18 with penny pie

File photo by Tom Rivers: Eli Pask and Evan Allen play their instruments to “When the Saints Go Marching In” as part of a parade through West Jackson Corners, a hamlet created by the church. This photo was taken in July 2017. The popular event will be back on July 18.

EAST SHELBY – After an absence last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, Old Tyme Day will return to the East Shelby Community Bible Church and its miniature village, West Jackson Corners, on July 18.

The celebration will begin with a church service at 10 a.m., followed by an afternoon of festivities in the miniature village across the street. There will be old-fashioned crafts on display, including candle making, woodworking, sewing, the blacksmith shop, corn husk dolls and weaving.

Another highlight will be old-time games for children and the opportunity to have an old-fashioned picture taken. One of the favorite games is a David and Goliath-style activity, where children shoot the giant with a slingshot, but instead of stones, they shoot gumballs.

Visitors can take a horse and wagon ride or a trip to the East Shelby Cemetery for a tour. Many local residents who were active in the early years of the church are buried there.

The barn on the edge of town has goats to pet, and for entertainment there will be dancing, a band concert, a gospel concert and other music performed throughout the day.

For lunch, visitors can buy a hotdog, lemonade, popcorn, homemade pie and homemade ice cream – all for a penny each or a donation.

At the miniature candy store, everything is only one cent.

A raffle will take place at 3:30 p.m. to give away certain craft items.

Mrs. Claus will welcome visitors to her Christmas shop, or they can stop for a class at the one-room schoolhouse.

All are welcome to join in the festivities, eat lunch and see how people lived more than a century ago.

East Shelby Community Bible Church is located at 5278 East Shelby Rd., one mile south of East Shelby.