England Prairie Pioneer Days returns this weekend

England Prairie Pioneer Days will be a step back in time to see remnants of the old days of farming.

This year's event is Aug. 21-23 at the Pioneer Grounds southwest of Verndale. A storm hit the area in early July and some of the buildings were damaged. The depot survived the storm without damage but the machinery building, sawmill shed and horse barn were completely demolished. Half of the roof of the exhibit building was torn off.

There will be no shingle making this year but the club is still hoping to have thrashing and a sawmill demonstration. The weekend festival has been compressed, with most of the activities happening on Saturday, Aug. 22. There will be no admission charge this year but the club is taking donations to help with repairs to the grounds.

England Prairie Show Days schedule

Friday, Aug. 21

3 p.m. - Blind tractor race and barrel race

5-7 p.m. - Supper available - BBQ ribs

6:45 p.m. - Coronation of the 17th England Prairie Royalty

7 p.m. - Country music: Barb Cline and Daryl Larson

Saturday, Aug. 22

7:30 to 11 a.m. - Old fashioned breakfast featuring Phyllis' famous buttermilk pancakes

All day - Free barrel train rides for the kids, model farm display, demonstrations, exhibits

demonstrations and hands-on exhibits courtesy of the Wadena County Historical Society

11 a.m. - Antique tractor pull - 50 years and older tractors

11:30 a.m. - Kiddie coin hunt, ages 3-12

11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Cafeteria-style lunch with hamburgers, hot dogs, and BBQ turkey sandwiches

2 to 4 p.m. - Bingo

4 p.m. - Raffle drawing

7 p.m. Gospel music by Jim Ackerson and Rosalie Fearing

7 p.m. Kitchen closes - refreshments available

Sunday, Aug. 23

9 a.m. Worship Service with Pastor Al Jeske

Camping is available for show attendees. The camping area has a playground and modern restrooms and shower facilities. 2015 England Prairie Pioneer Day souvenir buttons are available for $1.