The ring of an anvil, the roar of the forge, and the sizzle of hot steel hitting cold water are familiar sounds to anyone who has watched a blacksmith at work.

Watching, listening and even helping are all part of the fun in store for visitors to Howell Farm when the blacksmiths fire up their forges.

During the morning, farmers will trim and fit shoes for the Farm's big workhorses. Visitors can see the differences between types and sizes of horseshoes, as well as techniques for working safely under a 1,800 pound animal.

Throughout the day, children can help blacksmith Mike Erdie by turning the crank of the forge blower, adding coal to the fire, and carrying water needed for cooling hot steel. The smithies will make hooks, initialed horseshoes and other items for sale.

Lunch food will be available for purchase in the farm house kitchen.

Children's craft program: Tin Lantern
Place: TBA, on a walk-in basis (Groups of eight or more must pre-register)
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Approximate time to complete project: 20 minutes
Materials fee: $3.00

Top photo by Reinhold Steigerwald