Winneshiek Landing Day is an event, sponsored by the DeSoto Area Lions Club, celebrating the history of DeSoto.
The event will take place Saturday, June 18 in the De Soto Community Park and adjoining Community Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It is a day packed with activities for everyone from a cemetery walk to a day of music with bands to an antique tractor show, an impressive list of presenters, children's activities and food, craft and beer vendors and more.
Chief Winneshiek's life and accomplishments will be discussed by Chloris Lowe, a member of the Sky Clan of the Ho Chunk Nation. Lowe, a sovereign tribal nations consultant, is a well known expert on Winneshiek. A representative of the Black River Falls Cultural Center of the Ho Chunk Nation, and a direct descendant of Chief Winneshiek, will also participate.
An assigned essay in fifth grade was the impetus for Maynard Cox to become an expert on the Blackhawk War. As a member of the Vernon County Historical Society, Cox maintains the signage on the War along Highways 35 and 82.
David Heath, a fisheries senior biologist with the DNR, grew up along the Mississippi River. He will describe the river in terms of its past, present and future.
Growing up in the 50s in DeSoto inspired Harlan Flick Ito write a book about his experiences. The book, ‘Coins in a Half Filled Jar,’ will be the theme of his presentation.
Jim Boardman, a local commercial fisherman, will describe commercial fishing on the Mississippi River.
The cemetery walk will focus on five of the early residents of DeSoto. Actors will re-create their lives during the walk. A shuttle will carry people from the park to the cemetery. The DeSoto Middle School will provide a Youth Rendezvous reminiscent of fur trading activities of the 1800's. There will be a historic photo exhibit as well.
The Lasting Legends Classic Car Club will have restored cars on display and a parts swap. The Ferryville Tractor Club will arrive in a tractorcade that will begin in Ferryville and proceed to the DeSoto Park.
Children's activities enjoyed by children in the 1800s will be available for children to try. A Euchre Tournament will run from noon until 2 p.m. in the Community Center. Live music, the entire day, will be provided by Cowboy Tom (Tom Baker), the River City Ruckus Band and Tim and the Floppy Cowboys (Tim Bohnenkamp).
This event is sponsored by the DeSoto Area Lions Club to raise money for scholarships and other charitable causes in the community. The Lions is an international organization whose mission is to empower volunteers to serve their community.
