Wilder Days 2012 is in the planning stage.  Please check back for specific scheduling.

The 2011 Schedule

Friday — September 16, 2011

• Vendors will begin setting up their booths and displaying their wares
• The Laura Ingalls Wilder Library will be open so visitors can view their collection of memorabilia. Plans are to be open part of the evening as well.
• Friday evening:  School Children present a program honoring Laura Ingalls Wilder during the early evening.
• Local musicians will be invited to ‘jam’ at the square and gazebo during the evening.
• The Falcon Family will have a Native American presentation — second annual presentation and last year was great. Kids will enjoy this.
• 7:30 pm — Ozark Mountain Players will perform Laura’s Memories pageant at the pavilion in the Recreation Park

Saturday — September 17, 2011

• Vendors will be out bright and early for visitors to shop
• 10:00 AM Little Laura and Little Farmer Boy Look-A-Like contests.  Following announcement of the winners, there will be a walking costume parade around the square.
• 10:00 AM Ozark Mountain Players will have a morning performance of Laura’s Memories pageant at the pavilion in the Recreation Park
• Larry Bogart and Friends  (Country/Bluegrass music)
• 2:00 PM  The parade
• After the parade, entertainment in the gazebo will begin
  • Larry Bogart Band
  • Red Bridge
  • The Wright Family
  • The Falcon Family (Native American presentation)
• The Quilt Show will be open on Saturday at the Engrave-A-Crete facility, using the Side entrance near Jordan Street (Watch for signs and crowds)
• 7:30 pm. Ozark Mountain Players will perform Laura’s Memories pageant at the pavilion in the Recreation Park

Traditionally, on Saturday morning we have a costume contest for Look-a-Like Laura and Look-a-Like Farmer Boy.  Occasionally, adults will dress up in period dress and compete.  That really adds to the fun.

We have games and activities for the kids.  When we can, there are Nineteenth century games that have carried over until today! Tortoise races, watermelon seed spitting, frog jumping, jump rope, marble shooting and recently we’ve been able to add the obstacle course for bedraces which provides ample entertainment before and after the bedraces.

The past few years a quilt show,  bedraces and equipment shows have been part of the celebration.  In 2010, we were visited by Native Americans.

Folks like to park their lawn chairs under a shade tree and enjoy music from area performers.  Or stroll among the vendors for food and crafts.

If you’re in town on Friday, a wagon train sometimes passes through from down around West Plains.  The school children come to the square to perform and there is often more music during the evening.

As we have information we will add it here.  We may be changing some of the time arrangements; please bear with us and keep checking.