People came together in a variety of ways. Picnics on the Fourth of July were common, as were “dinners on the ground,” often organized by churches. On Decoration Day families tidied up cemeteries and placed flowers on graves. Log raisings to build barns and homes were held when a new family moved into the neighborhood. The Boone County fair started in 1887 and offered livestock contests, mule racing, and arts and crafts exhibitions.

Traveling preachers held meetings and sometimes debated one another. Fiddle music and dancing were popular but some churches frowned on this pastime. “Play parties” were a way to get around this. Rather than use instruments to make music, songs were sung and participants did a type of square dance.

In all of these activities, folks had a chance to get together to strengthen community and social bonds and meet eligible partners.