The McDonald County Historic Courthouse and Museum opening will take place on Saturday, May 26, with a variety of activities for all ages.

The event features "History Live" demonstrations, two auctions at noon, a Doug Hall print drawing, food at the cook shack, a special veterans' celebration and the grand opening of the "Stories of Military Service" exhibit, all on the square in Pineville.

A special service for the veterans will take place at 10:45 a.m. at the bandstand to honor all the county's veterans and to celebrate the grand opening of the "Stories of Military Service" exhibit in the museum's courtroom. The American Legion will present colors, and Trilogy will lead the national anthem. The program will conclude with taps and a 9-gun salute to honor all veterans over the 169 years of McDonald County's history.

The new "Stories of Military Service" courtroom exhibit grand opening is set for 11 a.m., as the museum opens for the summer. Enjoy live demonstrations, bid in the auctions and pull up a seat and listen to Trilogy sing, but be sure to cool off and visit the exhibits inside as well.

The Military Room has some fresh new exhibits and a 12-minute video honoring the 113 veterans who brought forward photos and stories for the new exhibit. Upstairs, the new exhibit includes large notebooks of military stories, 113 framed photos on the walls and many uniforms and displays, including one on the Civil War.

Demonstrations outside will include blacksmith Mike Freund and Civil War re-enactors Mike Patrick and Eddie and Sheri McAllister. Karen Almeter will be there spinning, and campfire cook Dr. Quinalty will have something smoldering in the pit. Jetta McCormick and the Master Gardeners will have a sale, and a pioneer laundry exhibit will be looking for children to join in on the fun. Broommaker Valetta Freund will share her skills as well. Many of these crafters will have items and books for sale.

At noon, a live auction will feature the best pies and baked goods in the county. Bunker Hill Quilters will be at the cook shack all day serving lunch.

The Doug Hall drawing will take place at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available all day, and the print will be on display in the courthouse.