Antique tractors, gas engines and cars; live old-time music and square dancing; as well as period-based demonstrations and activities are some of the features of the Birchdale Pioneer Days on July 18 and 19.
“This is a very special thing and everyone ought to come out and enjoy all the great entertainment,” said Soren Olesen, who is helping organize the event.
Live music is planned most of the day on Saturday and on Sunday morning. Scheduled acts include Sloughgrass Family Band, Blue Turtle Grass, and Pembina Trail. Square dancing is slated for Saturday afternoon.
Olesen said that one of the best features of the event is that visitors — and schedulers — are never sure what to expect.
“Lumber planing and other old-timey demonstrations seems to just happen on their own schedules,” Olesen said. “So you never know when you might hear that loud whining sound of a board being fed through a planer.
“Each year Pioneer Days is a little different and we don't always know exactly who will show up to display their tractors, gas engines, old equipment or restored classic and antique cars. But they are all very welcome, even for just the day.”
Some of the old-time demonstrations include blacksmithing; black powder shooting; lumber planing; sock knitting and a spinning wheel; soap, basket and rope making; and lefse cooking.
There will be an exhibitor parade from noon to 1 p.m. each day.
Children can interact with animals at the petting zoo, which is to include rabbits, cats and goats, according to Olesen.
There are concessions stands, and breakfast and lunch will be available each day. There will also be hot beef sandwiches available for dinner for those who stay after the entertainment.
The event will also include various arts and crafts vendors, who can set up for a $15 vendor space fee.
Also at the event will be reunions for Indus School classes of 1959 and 1969.
Admission is $6 for adults and free for children under 12. Camping is available at various locations in the area.
The event is to benefit the Birchdale Community Building and grounds, where the event will be held.
Olesen said that this event is one of the most important fund raisers for the River Valley Development Association building. This is the ninth-annual event and Olesen said that “people have been good to us” in the past years.
For more information, call Leland Nelson at (218) 634-2511 or email band@sloughgrass.com.
If you go:
WHAT: Old-time
demonstrations, music and vehicles
WHEN: July 18 and 19
WHERE: Community building, Birchdale
COST: Adults, $6; Children under 12, free
