Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House on the Prairie books can relive her experiences in two places this summer, as Wisconsin celebrates its most famous author of children’s books.
Old World Wisconsin, a historical village just outside of Eagle, will honor Wilder every weekend in July with Laura Ingalls Wilder Weekends.
Fans can try doing chores and playing games as the Ingalls family did in the late 19th century, as described in the classic Little House books and the TV series starring Michael Landon.
Old World Wisconsin features dozens of historic buildings relocated from around the state, "re-creating the sights, sounds and spirit of this country at its birth."
On September 14 and 15, the action moves to Pepin, where Wilder was born, for Laura Ingalls Wilder Days.
The festival there will include demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodworking, and hand-spinning, with horse-drawn wagon rides, craft demonstrations, a Quilt Show & Sew, Childrens’ Pioneer Games & Activities, a square dance, and a bonfire.
There are shows and parades, music and live animals, trains and a horse-drawn wagon.
For the more competitive, there’s a spelling bee and a fiddle contest, and a more modern-day 5K run.
And of course there’s a Laura contest, where a slew of little girls dressed in period costumes will be asked questions by the judges. All contestants are welcome to ride in the parade.
A bus will also be available to transport visitors to the Little House Wayside, a replica of the original Ingalls cabin, known as The Little House in the Big Woods.
By Cheryl Rosen
