VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Ozark National Scenic Riverways is hosting a lye soap making workshop at Big Spring from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17.
Join local crafts person Cathy Wyatt to explore the process of lye soap making.
The workshop is free, but space is limited, so reservations are required.
Registered participants will be provided with materials to make and take home their own handmade soap.
Homemade lye soap is an Ozark tradition and was generally made once a year, coinciding with the autumn harvest and butchering. Settlers combined spring water, lye from the ash hopper, and lard rendered from butchered livestock.
Everyone is welcome to drop by and observe the lye soap workshop in progress. Contact Park Ranger Cathy Runge at 573-323-4806 or cathy_runge@nps.gov to join the fun.
Big Spring is located on State Highway 103, four miles south of Van Buren, Missouri.