Telling the story of agriculture

By Kris Leonhardt

Editor-in-chief

KEWAUNEE COUNTY – An event spanning three decades continues to tell the story of agriculture in Kewaunee County.

“Heritage Days began in 1993 when a group of area individuals got together and wanted to bring back an event that focused on early history of agriculture in Kewaunee County, with a focus on creating an event to bring steam engines to the Kewaunee Country Fairgrounds,” explained one of the originators, Jerry Sinkula.

“An organization was formed which evolved into what is now Agricultural Heritage and Resources, a not-for-profit with its home base as Heritage Farm, south of Kewaunee.

That group created the annual event, now approaching its 30th year of operation.

“This event showcases what our ancestors experienced developing our county’s agricultural farmland and communities.  Over the last 30 years, thousands have attended and learned what it took to grow the crops and harvest the crops.  Heritage Days also showcases the family living side of our heritage — wood cook stoves, food processing, sewing, quilting and more are demonstrated each day.  Displays of tractors and historic farm implements doing demonstrations tell the story of early agriculture.  Demonstrations of lumber sawing, threshing, shingle making, blacksmithing, corn shelling, and so many more of the early tasks on a farm will be available,” Sinkula added. 

“Great food will be available with the antique wood stoves as a backdrop.  Breakfast will actually be made using the wood stoves to fry the eggs and potatoes.  (We are) also serving a great pork, sauerkraut and dumpling dinner, along with homemade chicken noodle soup, and pies.”

Agricultural Heritage Days will be held Sept. 23-24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg.

Saturday’s events will feature an Antique Tractor Pull in front of the grandstands, and Sunday will offer a Garden Tractor Pull.

“Heritage Days hopes to help our community and its younger generations learn and understand what it took to make this great area of the state develop into a great place to live.  It is with great hope that we can create the next generation to keep the artifacts and stories of our ancestors for future generations,” Sinkula said.

“It is often said, ‘You don’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you came from.’”

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/heritagefarmkewaunee.