On Saturday July 6, Farmamerica held their first “Prairie Day”. Over a hundred and fifty tickets were sold prior to the event and the flow of people did not stop from when the day began at 10 a.m. Presale tickets were sold online for $5 and door tickets at $10. The staff of Farmamerica warmly greeted every group of visitors as they entered the building. From young families to older couples, all were welcome to enjoy the beautiful scenery and historic sights that Farmamerica has to offer. One of the first activities guest could enjoy was a tractor ride around the loop of the farm.
The first stop on the tractor trams route was at the 1850s farm. This area features a classic barn, an old dugout and a farmhouse, to name a few of the historic buildings. Alongside were demonstrations of various crafting methods used in the time period. Anyone could attempt to create yarn out of the different colored cottons that the weaver’s stand had available, give a go at washing clothes with a washboard or even learn, and see, firsthand how rugs were made using 1850s weaving technology. Another tractor ride, or short walk, would take visitors to the one-room schoolhouse and country church buildings. Outside of the schoolhouse were different games and amusements; such as stilts, croquet, and sacks for sack races. The church did not offer any activities, save one, but its visage alone was a delight because of its classical elegance and beauty. A horse drawn carriage boarded at the sidewalk of the church and took passengers on a ride around the farm sighted on the northwest area of Farmamerica.
Performing music that could be heard nearly everywhere on the farm, The Marv Nissel Band played polka and waltz music on the back patio. 1919 root beer floats were sold at the wooden shack right by the patio to help beat the summer heat; there was also meals available for purchase in the main building.
Prairie Day offered an opportunity for people of all ages to have a taste of life on the prairie. While the activities available certainly enhanced the experience, the time spent enjoying nature and old-time living with family, and friends, sowed the seeds of fond memories for all of Farmamerica’s visitors.
