When Irene Wirsing was growing up, one of the first houses she lived in was a log home. So when she sat in the corner of one of the more than 30 buildings on the grounds at Luxenhaus Farms Sunday, she felt right at home. She recalled her youth, reminiscing about how a then Illinois youngster traveled by train to St. Louis with hardly any money to live on her own. "I love this place," said Wirsing as she quilted a blanket that won't be completed until near Christmas. She has been an artisan at Deutsch Country Days for 10 years. The annual two-day weekend event held over the weekend, now in its 28th year, has remained a family affair as visitors and artisans takes a visit back to yesteryear. Deutsch Country Days showcases exhibitions from the 19th century when German settlers arrived in Missouri and other skills from the pre-1800s. Near Wirsing, Jean Wilder was busy showing visitors how cotton was used to produce yarn. Every October brings her back to when she and husband, Jim, first learned of the event. A couple of years ago, he passed way. One of the buildings is now named after him. Jean Wilder continues to come back each fall. "We enjoyed it every year," she said. "We have a lot of family out here. Not too many of these focus on families. This is a family deal." Though attendance figures were not available early this week and not expected to match last year's record-breaking 12,000 visitors, Lois Hostkoetter, who founded the annual October event with her husband, Bob, was pleased with the turnout and overall event. Deutsch Country Days is held at Luxenhaus Farms, nestled in the hills outside of Marthasville. "It went very well," Lois Hostkoetter said. "The attendance was down, maybe a third. The new earth home was fantastic. It worked out perfectly. We had some new artisans. Everything was great." Susan Schulte, of Waynesville, visited the grounds on Saturday. She returned the next morning with her grandson, 4-year-old Addison Purdome, who was busy checking out the miniature log homes. With her family in tow Schulte was prepared to check out the sights again. "I know he will love this place," she said. Indeed, other children found plenty to do. Mike Redington, of Wentzville, smiled watching his three children trying their hand cutting a log. "They have a lot of exhibitions and hands-on for the kids," he said. "They are having all kinds of fun." Kevin Brinker, of New Haven, was hooked the first time he visited. Around eight years ago, a blacksmith was needed and the New Haven resident filled in. He's been here ever since. "You never know who you are talking to or where they are from," Brinker said. Lois Hostkoetter said plans for next year, scheduled for Oct. 16-17, will soon be under way. "It all comes together," she stated. "Families appreciate it. The kids learn. It's all about education."