North River Mills/Ice Mt. Festival 2026

Start: Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:00AM
End: Saturday, May 9, 2026 2:00PM

Enjoy a relaxing day in this once-bustling town. In the early 1980's we had our own post office, gas station, and general merchandise store. Granville Moreland's auto repair garage had not been closed long. A few families, including the Millers, Crostons, Mrs. Cunningham, and others. Many are gone. But once a year, we celebrate the bygone days of this village that dates back to the late 1700s. Usual activities include: Old-time music jam on the porch. Interpretive "hay-less" ride around the hamlet. Historical reenactors (French & Indian and Civil War). Blacksmith, Rob Wolford, often demonstrates the trade Rob's granddad practiced in North River Mills "back in the day". Ted Kalvitis, the antique tractor guru, and his better half, Stephanie, may coordinate an art show-- "The Long Gallery" in the corn crib. Contact us if you'd like to exhibit/share something. Folks have exhibited steam engines and antique tractors. Randy Hiett often brings his Model T Ford and other exhibits. Ken Riggleman usually brings his Model A or his 1956 Ford Fairlane. Do you have a class tractor or vehicle you would like to show off? Dan Oates, author (Fort Pearsall Press, Inc.) and skilled chair caner, often sets up on the inn porch. The church ladies have refreshments for a donation. The adjacent quiet dirt lane is a nice place for a hike. Raven Rocks looms above the old hamlet. Docents will likely be available to lead hikes to the cold vents and the overlook on Ice Mountain. Last year docents were available every 1/2 hour for hikes until noon. In 2012, Ice Mountain was declared a "National Natural Landmark" by the National Park Service. C.C. Hall has an excellent site with info about the village: www.NorthRiverMills.org. North River Mills was designated an "Historical Landmark", and it is listed on the National Historic Register. If you have old photos (people or structures of the village), we would love to scan them. Often, old timers come to swap stories of North River Mills, giving the day a homecoming feel. So if you are in the mood to enjoy a relaxing day, and maybe get a sense of a slower lifestyle, we hope you'll stop in, and sit a spell on the porch.