Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Burr Oak, Iowa, population 234, comes alive on June 21, 22, and 23, at the town’s annual Laura Days celebration. The first annual Laura Ingalls Wilder celebration held in 1976 recognized the Ingalls family’s arrival in Burr Oak in 1876 and honored the county’s bicentennial.
Driven by the dedication of two part-time staff members and the volunteer board of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum, the schedule is crafted to relive the life and times of Laura and her family.
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat. In our mad rush for progress and modern improvements, let’s be sure we take along with us all the old-fashioned things worthwhile.” ~Laura Ingalls Wilder
The festivities kick off with bingo on Friday night from 6-8 p.m. at Barney’s Bar & Grill and again on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Live entertainment sets the stage across all three days. The JR Brink Band kicks off the celebration on Friday night at Barney’s Bar & Grill, followed by the Joe Cody Band on Saturday. Sunday morning is the Gospel Music Service in the park, featuring Sister Luv, a quartet from Spring Valley, Minn. The weekend concludes with Hymns and Hops at Barney’s, a heartwarming session of hymn singing and fellowship led by Pastor Dave Werges with Renae McIntosh on the keyboard.
Sarah Uthoff, renowned for her expertise on Laura and her family, graces the event as this year’s special guest. Uthoff presents “Packing Up.” Uthoff will share stories using artifacts shedding light on Laura’s journey from Missouri. Visitors can also find Uthoff in the one-room schoolhouse, sharing insights throughout Saturday.
The annual Laura Day parade kicks off at noon and starts at the north end of town.
Don’t miss the famed pie auction on Saturday afternoon, where homemade pies are auctioned to support the non-profit organization. Engage in friendly competition with the bean bag tournament and tour the historic Masters Hotel where Laura lived.
The Hesper Helpers 4-H club will be serving brats, hot dogs, walking tacos, pie, drinks, and more on Saturday.
Upcoming events in Bluff Country
• June 20, Music on the Bluff, Whalan, Minn.
• June 22, Gammel Dag Fest, Peterson, Minn.
• June 25, Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.
The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.
For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
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