Another festival offering ‘a little bit of everything,’ is planned for the Birchdale community July 13 and 14, according to an organizer.
The 13th annual old-time Birchdale Pioneer Days is set for July 13 and 14 at the Birchdale Area Community Building. The event features antique tractor and car shows, live old-time music and a black powder shooting activity in which participants can “see how they would have fared as old-time hunters,” said Soren Olesen, one of the festival’s organizers.
The event is the largest fundraiser for the River Valley Development Association which operates the community building in Birchdale, and offers a chance to experience the history of the area.
“This is the 13th annual Pioneer Days and what a fantastic community event it has been over the years,” Olesen said. “(There will be) food, music, some old equipment, some classic and antique cars, old gas engines and hopefully a newly restored Indian motorcycle.”
A flapjack breakfast will take place 8 a.m. Saturday. Music will be performed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and after church Sunday. The exhibitor parade takes place at noon both days. Visitors can camp free at Nelson Park, one mile from the grounds.
The weekend also features a blacksmithing exhibition, sock machine demonstration, school reunions and a petting zoo.
“We are hoping to have a baby chick Ferris wheel to look at this year and a little kids pull-behind tractor train,” Olesen said of the popular attractions. “There is for sure something for the kids to do while the parents browse the crafters and flea market for good deals. It’s definitely a family event.”
The school reunions have become popular during Pioneer Days, he added.
“Over the years, many Indus school classes have chose to have their class reunions on the same weekend so they could get together in Birchdale and reminisce over the past in a beautiful setting with food and music available all day,” Olesen said. “Small family reunions have been arranged for during Pioneer Days so they wouldn’t have to worry about food or entertainment.”
The organizer continued that the support from the people who have brought their machinery, crafts or musical talents from all over the state has assisted the survival and operation of the community building.
“We don’t have a lot of places to gather and visit with each other and area visitors, but Pioneer Days provide the space to do just that,” he said.
Admission, good for both days, is $6 for adults, children under 12 free, and vendor space is $15. All exhibitors and open-stage musicians are free to watch.
Anyone who wants to display equipment or cars can show up to the event and ask for Leland Nelson, or call him after 5 p.m. at 218-634-2511. Crafters can contact Stacy Kling at 218-324-0266 to arrange for a vendor spot, or email her at skallnaturalhome@gmail.com. And anyone who can offer old-time music should contact Olesen 218-244-4280 or email him at sloughgrass@gmail.com.
