Big Pioneer Days Event Planned Oct. 26-27

The Lake Wales History Museum is planning a larger than ever 44th Annual Pioneer Days Festival Oct. 26-27 in Lake Wailes Park. Admission and parking are free for the heritage celebration that will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, retired Bok Tower carillonneur Milford Myhre will be recognized as Pioneer of the Year. See story at https://www.lakewalesnews.net/story/2019/10/02/news/retired-bok-carillonneur-milford-myhre-named-pioneer-of-the-year/928.html

Family-friendly heritage education activities offered throughout the weekend celebration include historic architecture tours of downtown Lake Wales, canoe carving, Florida Cabin Fever Quilters, Polk County Wood turners, SWEAT – Early American Trades, The Country Boutique – candle making, Thomas Geer Artisan - blacksmith, Civil War Camp – reenactors & cooking, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame with Miss Florida Citrus and citrus labels, Talako Indian Dancers, Lake Aurora Archery, Polk County Fiber Guild, a 1861 Cracker Chuck Wagon & Pioneer Camp, antique car show and parade at 12 PM on Saturday, October 26, Flywheelers antique tractor and engine exhibits, old-fashioned family games, pumpkin patch, face painting, and petting zoo.

More than 35 handmade & craft market vendors will have a range of be selling at our showcase a range of goods & services including handmade, gemstone and silver jewelry, home goods, kitchen items, gourds woven with natural materials, essential oils, organic & natural clothing & hats, handmade holiday home décor items & candles, organic health products, nail polish, handcrafted Native American flutes, pet supplies and treats, fiber art & crocheted home goods, hand spun & dyed yarn, reclaimed and recycled art and wood décor and home goods, hair accessories, Teddy bears, photography artwork, bath & body care products, greeting cards, children's items, repurposed furniture, gourmet and homemade culinary & food gifts.

Community and business vendors will have information about local real estate, churches, social & service clubs, health products, home services, financial planning, child health and safety.

Food & beverage provided by Little Joe's Grille will have the following for sale - Pork or Chicken Kebabs, Fresh Garden & Greek Salad Bar, Mediterranean Rice, Falafels, Gyros, Pizza, Hamburgers, Corn Dogs, French Fries, Philly Cheese Steaks, Bratwurst, Italian & Polish Sausages, Funnel Cakes, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Beer, Wine, non-alcoholic beverage options.

Entertainment will feature live music and performances each day including Nat West & Pickin' In the Park, Lake Wales High School Highlander Band, Mountain Brew Trio, Adam Duss Experience, Studio 6 Dancers, Talako Indian Dancers, Jason Hobert on guitar, Utah Farris on flute, Bryan Rivers, Hank's Cracker Storytelling, Craig Singleton & the Big City Band, and a Kid's Costume Contest at 3 p.m. Sunday.

This year's Pioneer Days Festival is made possible by the City of Lake Wales, Visit Central Florida, Advent Health, Citizens Bank & Trust, Duke Energy, Edward Jones, Rickert Properties, SEMCO Construction, Gibson Law Firm, Forni Dental, Legacy Real Estate Center, Little Joe's Special Events, Jahna Industries, MAX 98.3, The Ledger Media Group, Haven Magazines, Polk News Sun, WUSF Public Media, 97.5 WPCV, 90.7 WMFE, Orlando Sentinel Media Group, McKibben Motorsports, Florida's Natural, IHOP Restaurants, and Babies2Bellies.

For more information, visit the Lake Wales History Museum at 325 S. Scenic Hwy. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, call 863-676-1659 or visit online at http://www.lakewalesfl.gov/museum.