Stockton, Ala. — Blacksmiths from the Bay Area Forge Council will hold demonstrations and instructions at Baldwin County Bicentennial Park on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Blacksmiths will be demonstrating a variety of techniques used in the art of blacksmithing as well as explaining and demonstrating the usage of blacksmith tools that will be on display.

The Bay Area Forge Council will also hold instruction workshops — ongoing throughout the day — for those interested in learning the basics of blacksmithing.

 “We are interested in teaching any and all who want to learn the basic methods of blacksmithing,” according to Bill Williamson, forge master. “We very much enjoy teaching folks from all age groups.”

Blacksmiths played a vital role in history, from creating hardware for homes and businesses, repairing wagons for travel, creating necessary items for livestock and farming and in some cases serving as the local dentists for their community. “It is great that we are adding more exhibits to Bicentennial Park that show the heritage of our area and it is nice to have the Bay Area Forge Council come out and do these demonstrations,” said Baldwin County Commission Chairman Bob James.

The blacksmith demonstrations will be at the new 19th Century Blacksmith Shop in Bicentennial Park’s 19th Century Village.

 For more information about the demonstrations, contact the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History at 251-580-1897.