Osborne Heritage Days 50th Anniversary

Come out to Celebrate Clayton County Conservation’s 50th Anniversary for the last Osborne Heritage Days. Heritage Days will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 11th and 12th, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day. Travel back in time to experience some of the sights, sounds, smells and activities of early pioneers during this family fun event. Heritage Days is held in the Pioneer Village of Osborne Park, located 5 miles south of Elkader on Highway 13. 

This year will be the last of the traditional Osborne Heritage Days where some of the crafts, skills and lifestyles of the early pioneers are recreated. Visitors get to experience what life was like long ago during this glimpse of the past. Over 20 demonstrations are featured, including spinning, basketry, soap making, printing press, woodcrafts, candle making and many others. 

Many pioneer-era foods are featured at Heritage Days as well. Treats include homemade root beer, kettle corn, fresh baked goods and jerky. Samples of buffalo stew are also given out during the weekend. A farmer's market features pumpkins, apples, honey, preserves, maple syrup, sorghum, horseradish and much more. Lunch options available will including sandwiches, barbecues, pork on a stick, and Heritage Days favorite smoked turkey legs!

Featured events include Gary Froiland’s One-Man-Band and storyteller Pat Coffie on Saturday. Sunday will have a pioneer church service, music from The Andregg Family Band, pumpkin contests, an auction, and the 25th Annual Iowa Championship Buffalo Chip Throwing Contest! The kiddie train will also be back and many other special events and demonstrations. Contests are as follows:

Seeking Contest Participants for the Great Pumpkin Contest, the best decorated pumpkin contest, and for the Championship Buffalo Chip Throw. Anyone interested in participating in any of these contests, please visit www.claytoncountyconservation.org for details or contact us at 563-245-1516.

All demonstrations and events at Heritage Days are free. Don't miss this opportunity to relive history! After Heritage Days we will begin to plan what exciting new fall festival will take its place in the coming years.