As always, there will be a variety of traditional craft demonstrations, food, vendors, and hands-on activities for the children during the 54th Jordbruksdagarna (Swedish for “agricultural days”) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Demonstrations, hands-on activities, music, and dancing are all free.
Due to all the recent rain, the activities in the park have been moved. Our 19th century demonstrators will be located behind the Carpenter Building (post office) which is located across from the east side of the park. The address is 109 North Bishop Hill Street. Our vendors will be located on the street in front of the Colony Store, located at 101 W. Main Street. Musical performances will still have Coffee Creek at noon and 2 p.m., and the Nordic Dancers of Chicago at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. but they will be performing behind the Steeple Building Museum next to the Carpenter Building. This 3-story building with a clock tower on top is located at 103 North Bishop Hill Street. The corn shelling station, corn husk doll making station, brick making station and Steve’s Mobile Petting Zoo will all be located behind the Carpenter Building as well. Finally, due to the rainy weather, TriCo Equestrian Center will not be having pony rides this year.
Other Jordbruksdagarna activities are scattered all over Bishop Hill. Uncle Bud’s Apple Cider Slushie and Pop of the Morning will be next to the Carpenter Building serving food and drinks. Visitors can explore Henry County’s agricultural heritage at the Henry County Historical Museum, where a variety of antique tractors and implements will be on display outdoors. The Bishop Hill Agricultural Association will also be conducting 19th century harvest activities as well. Tractor people movers will also be available to transport people around town to experience many of the activities, museums, and stores that Bishop Hill has to offer. All the previously mentioned activities will be occurring both days.
In addition, there are also some activities occurring one-day only. On Saturday only at the Colony School, the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association will be selling their Swedish meatball meal from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Also, that Saturday, the Bishop Hill Methodist Church will be having a one-day bake sale by the Steeple Building. On Sunday only, author Jannifer Powelson will be doing a book signing at the Prairie Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more details about Jordbruksdagarna activities, call 309 927-3899, email bhha@mymctc.net, or view www.visitbishophill.com. Jordbruksdagarna is organized by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association and supported by the Bishop Hill Fire Department, Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Bishop Hill Agricultural Association, and VASA National Archives. The event is also partly funded by Calmer Corn Heads, Illinois Art Council, Nature’s Creations, State Bank of Toulon, TerraForm Power, Wilbur and Marilyn Nelson, River Valley Cooperative, Gold Star FS, Peck Farms, SWEA-Chicago, and Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association. WJRE is our major media sponsor. The Galva FFA, provided special assistance, along with many other volunteers.
