Laura Ingalls Wilder enthusiasts are invited to "Circle your Wagon in Burr Oak" at the 33rd Annual Laura Days celebration Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28.
A number of special events are planned to celebrate Laura Ingalls Wilder, one of Iowa's most famous residents, as well as museum tours, entertainment and food.
"Burr Oak used to be a main pass-through for the stage coach line from Minnesota to Iowa, and hundreds of pioneer wagons would pass through Burr Oak daily," said Museum Executive Director Steve Luse. "We're encouraging graduates of North Winneshiek to join us for a reunion weekend, as well as anyone else who would like to 'circle their wagons' in celebration of the pioneer spirit."
Saturday activities
The weekend will kick off Saturday at 8 a.m. with the Wilder 5K Run. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Fee is $15 and includes a T-shirt. Registration information can be found on the museum's Web site at lauraingallswilder.us.
The food tent will open at 10 a.m. featuring brats, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, homemade pies and more. Also beginning at 10 a.m. is a checkers tournament for all age levels, and at 10 and 11 a.m., area dramatist Elaine Hegg will present "Laura Returns to Burr Oak." Kids are invited to participate in the Tractor Pedal and Pull contest at 10 a.m.
At noon, the grand parade will begin, followed by interactive games and pioneer craft demonstrations beginning at 1 p.m.
Laura and Almanzo
The 2009 Little Miss Laura and Young Almanzo will be announced at 1 p.m., followed by live bluegrass music by Done Doin' Laundry from 1 to 3 p.m.
This year's Little Miss Laura candidates include fourth grader Maretta Peterson, the daughter of Becky and Brian Peterson of Decorah; fourth grader Sadie Nymeyer, daughter of Carletta and Brian Nymeyer of Fort Atkinson; third grader Emma Rolfs, daughter of Amy and Charlie Rolfs, Decorah; and Katelyn Leiran, a third grader from Waterville, daughter of Nancy and Steven Leiran. Tyler Flak, a fifth grader from Decorah, is the only Young Almanzo candidate. He is the son of Cathy and Dale Flak.
Sunday
The fun continues Sunday with an ecumenical pioneer worship gathering from 10 to 11 a.m. (bring a lawn chair), followed by a community potluck and homemade pie auction at 11:30 a.m.
The museum and visitors' center is open both days, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed during the parade) and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, contact the museum at 563-735-5916 or email museum@lauraingallswilder.us.
