Osborne Heritage Days Celebration Hits Its 50th and Final Edition
On the 11th and 12th of October, the Pioneer Village of Osborne Park south of Elkader will host the 50th Annual Osborne Heritage Days, a family-friendly event that promises to transport visitors back in time to experience the sights, sounds, smells, and activities of early pioneers.
This year's event will be a special one, as it marks the final Heritage Days due to a lack of volunteers and demonstrators. However, there's still much to look forward to.
On Saturday, 11th October, Gary Froiland's One-Man-Band and storyteller Pat Coffie will entertain the crowd. Visitors can enjoy a variety of lunch options, including sandwiches, barbecue, pork on a stick, and a Heritage Days favourite - smoked turkey legs.
The following day, Sunday, 12th October, will be filled with a variety of activities. A pioneer church service, music from The Andregg Family Band, pumpkin contests, an auction, and the 25th Annual Iowa Championship Buffalo Chip Throwing Contest are just a few highlights.
For those who enjoy a bit of competition, the Great Pumpkin Contest, the best decorated pumpkin contest, and the Championship Buffalo Chip Throw are contests to participate in.
Throughout the event, visitors can sample many pioneer-era foods such as homemade root beer, kettle corn, fresh baked goods, jerky, buffalo stew, and more. A farmer's market will also be available, offering pumpkins, apples, honey, preserves, maple syrup, sorghum, and horseradish.
Over twenty demonstrations are featured, including spinning, basketry, soap making, printing press, woodcrafts, and candle making.
After this year's event wraps up, Clayton County Conservation will begin planning a new fall market-type of festival. Details about these contests and other events can be found on claytoncountyconservation.org or by contacting Clayton County Conservation at 563-245-1516.
The kiddie train will also be back, making this a perfect event for the whole family. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to step back in time and celebrate the pioneer spirit one last time at the 50th Annual Osborne Heritage Days.
