Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

‘Caroline Ingalls’ To At Farm Heritage Celebration In Parsons

A full lineup of educational and fun activities are planned for the sixth annual  Farm Heritage Celebration, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5, at Parson’s Tolen Creek Park, just south of Stockyards Travel Plaza at the U.S. 400/U.S. 59 intersection, announced Kari West,  who’s been instrumental in the coordination.

Michelle Martin of Bartlesville, Okla., will bring the story of Caroline Ingalls to life on Friday, October 4, at the Farm Heritage Celebration in Parsons. Martin will do several presentations and answer questions in character as Caroline Ingalls, made famous by the “The Little House on the Prairie” books written by daughter Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Michelle Martin of Bartlesville, Okla., will bring the story of Caroline Ingalls to life on Friday, October 4, at the Farm Heritage Celebration in Parsons. Martin will do several presentations and answer questions in character as Caroline Ingalls, made famous by the “The Little House on the Prairie” books written by daughter Laura Ingalls Wilder.

“Living historian Michelle Martin of Bartlesville, Okla., will bring the story of Caroline Ingalls to life on Friday, Oct. 4, throughout the day. Martin will do several presentations and answer questions in character as Caroline Ingalls, made famous by the ‘The Little House on the Prairie’ books written by daughter Laura Ingalls Wilder,” West explained.

“Combining a unique blend of songs, Kansas historical facts and pictures honoring the development of the great 34th state, Jeff Davidson of Eureka will revisit the history of Kansas, and its tremendous influence on western U.S. history during programs on both Friday and Saturday,” West pointed out.

“Actually, Friday has been designated as Education Field Day, and Saturday, Oct.  5, is open to the public from 10 a.m., to 4 p.m.  There is free admission, although donations are appreciated to help offset costs,” West said.

Combining a unique blend of songs, historical facts and pictures, Jeff Davidson of Eureka will revisit the history of Kansas, and its tremendous influence on western U.S. history during programs, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5, at the Farm Heritage Celebration in Parsons.
Combining a unique blend of songs, historical facts and pictures, Jeff Davidson of Eureka will revisit the history of Kansas, and its tremendous influence on western U.S. history during programs, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5, at the Farm Heritage Celebration in Parsons.

Old-fashioned activities, food and fun for the whole family include exhibits of gas engines, tractors, farm trucks and working horses.  There will  be ‘living history’ with all kinds of historical craftsmen and re-enactors, along with horse rides and an archery/BB gun shoot, both on Saturday only,” West related.

The Parsons Farmer’s Market will be set up at 1618 Broadway in Parsons. Vendors are still being sought, with information available at 620-421-6500.

“A great addition to this year’s celebration, just in, is that members of the Chetopa Creek Muzzleloaders group will be here sharing information from the early 1800-1840s. The ‘Mountain Men,’ as they are known, will have lodges set up, other displays, and will visit with spectators,” West said.

Martin’s historical program will combine life on the prairie with how women survived on the newly settled plains.

Davidson is planning to present three different programs: Pioneers of Progress, Cow Trails and Cow Towns, and Heritage Highlights.

“If you are looking for something to do this weekend, check out the Farm Heritage Celebration in Parsons. It’s free,  and  ‘a step back in time.’ We’ll have lots of working antique and vintage equipment, craftsmen, working horse teams, free wagon rides, horse rides by the Rowdy Riders, and a ‘whole lotta of fun.’ Hope to see you here,” welcomed West, who can be contacted by e-mail at kwest@parsons.com.

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