The Old Iron Works Festival is returning to Maramec Spring Park to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the Maramec Iron Works. The festival will take place on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Maramec Iron Works became the first iron works west of the Mississippi River when it was established in 1826 and was a major source of employment and industry in the region until it closed in 1876. Through the work of the philanthropist Lucy Wortham James, who acquired the site in the 1920s, the site of the old iron works was placed under the management of The James Foundation, a philanthropic organization which James established upon her death in 1938. To this day The James Foundation is responsible for managing and maintaining Maramec Spring Park.

This year, the festival will feature a variety of attractions that include craftspeople and artisans selling wares and showcasing their trades through demonstrations. Food and beverage vendors will also be at the festival grounds all day and include local food trucks, wineries and breweries. Live bands will be performing traditional, folk, Americana and bluegrass music at the festival’s Main Stage all day. The Festival’s Furnace Stage will feature talent showcases and folk dances throughout the day.

Starting at 10 a.m., bluegrass and gospel performers Dixie Union will perform at the Main Stage, followed by the Rock County Cloggers on the Furnace Stage at 10:30 a.m.

Then, at 11 a.m. the Furnace Stage will feature a local talent showcase, followed by a noon performance by vaudeville entertainer Prof. Farquar’s Great American Medicine Show at the Main Stage.

The Rock County Cloggers will return to the Furnace Stage for another performance at 12:30 p.m. St. Louis-based band One Way Traffic will also perform at 12:30 p.m. at the Main Stage.

At 1 p.m. the Furnace Stage will feature another round of local talent showcases. Then, at 2 p.m. the Rock County Cloggers will return to the Furnace Stage for the final event of the day at that stage.

At 2:30 p.m., Prof. Farquar will perform at the Main Stage once again. Then, at 3 p.m. bluegrass troupe Barnum Jack will play at the Main Stage, bringing performances for the day to a close.

In a press release, The James Foundation said that it is excited to bring festival-goers to the park to explore its rich history and importance to the region.

“For generations, the site has provided a tangible link to Missouri’s industrial past, bringing together the region’s abundant natural resources, skilled workers, and entrepreneurial spirit,” the press release said. “Festival-goers are encouraged to explore the historic surroundings of Maramec Spring Park, learn more about the Iron Works and its legacy, and enjoy a day celebrating the area’s heritage with family, friends, and neighbors.”