11th Annual Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day is an annual event held at both Sams House/Pine Island Conservation Area and at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in north Merritt Island. Celebrating the early settlers of Merritt Island at these two historic sites will take you back in time through Florida living history demonstrations, 19th century architecture, house/cabin/chapel/cemetery tours, antiques/artifacts on display, music, and nature. Don’t miss the 11 am Pioneer Parade at Sams House/Pine Island in which those in period attire, including historic reenactors, stroll through the grounds to the beat of drum and fife. Family-friendly activities and events include historic encampments, educational exhibits, guided historic cemetery tours, live music, crafts and farmer’s market vendors, guided trail hikes, children’s crafts and games, a petting farm, food trucks, and kettle corn. St. Luke’s is offering delicious homemade chilis and loaded baked/sweet potatoes for sale. Free shuttle buses ferry attendees between the two sites which are a mile apart. Most of the parking is at St. Luke’s. A parking donation of $2 is suggested. For more information, call Sams House at (321) 449-4720.