PIONEER GROUNDS The public is invited to take a walk around Perham’s scenic Pioneer Park on Saturday, April 26, at 10am to provide ideas on its future use. Early visionaries in Perham set aside over 100 acres on the edge of town. Part of area is used by Perham Municipal Golf Course, with.baseball fields and other recreational opportunities anchoring the town end. In between is Pioneer park- 25 rustic acres that includes historic buildings and artifacts, and is home to the Pioneer Festival. The nonprofit History and Cultural Association of East Otter Tail County (HACA) took over management of the grounds April 1st, and are seeking input on community use of the park and the ideas on revamping the festival. “There are several building offering incredible use opportunities,” said HACA CEO Darla Ellingson. “Some areas are in disrepair and a maintenance plan is needed.” HACA is also hoping events like Saturday’s walk-through will inspire renewed participation in Perham’s 44 year-old Pioneer Festival. “We’ve already been contacted by quite a few folks that want to see the cultural activities continue,” said Ellingson. “We want to reconnect with past participants, as well as hear from new artists, crafters, musicians, theatrical performers and others that may have an interest in participating.” The community is encouraged to gather at 10am. A walking tour will commence, including going inside the main buildings, culminating in a circle gathering for a moderated exchange of ideas inside the Grandview Heights Ballroom. A survey form will be available that can be completed on site or mailed in. “If you haven’t been to Pioneer Park, or haven’t visited in a while, you’ve got to see it- it’s inspiring,” said Ellingson. “We do encourage folks to wear sturdy shoes, bring a jacket and a water bottle.” The grounds were previously managed by the East Otter Tail County Historical Society. Up until recent years, HACA, formerly known as Friends of the Museum of East Otter Tail County, served as an umbrella agency for the society. After the society failed to keep up with its nonprofit filings, HACA registered the East Otter Tail County Historical Society name under its nonprofit so that the good work of the society can continue. There are numerous artifacts stored at Pioneer Park that are at risk from being exposed to weather elements and pests. Artifact care, collection and cataloging will continue to be operated from the History Museum of East Otter Tail County building. Coordination of the Pioneer Grounds for those wishing to rent the grounds will be operated from the ITOW Veterans Museum building. The Pioneer Grounds has indoor and outdoor venues for rent on a first-come first-served basis for weddings, reunions and other events. Ellingson adds that there will be more opportunities for input, but this will be the first opportunity for a behind-the-scenes review of the resources. Artists, musicians, theatrical performers and volunteers who are interested in participating in future festivals are encouraged to contact HACA. The Pioneer Festival assessment activities are funded in part by a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through a Minnesota State Legislative appropriation. HACA does plan to hold a Pioneer Festival this summer, providing an entertaining opportunity for the community to show its support for preserving this cultural landmark. “Efforts will be focused on successful elements of the past, including threshing events, music, art, and a beer garden, as well as coordinating scheduling with activities of the neighboring Lakes Country Mountaineers Black Powder Club,” said Ellingson. “We’ll add a few new surprises, with events concentrated around Saturday, August 16.” The 2014 Pioneer Festival will have free admission, other than a nominal fee for the evening concert and dance. For information on the walk around or renting the Pioneer Grounds, please contact Julie Listrom at hacainfoeotc@gmail or call 218-346-7678 Tuesday through Friday afternoons. Mail should be directed to 230 1st Ave N, Perham, MN 56573. HACA expects to have a Pioneer Grounds calendar on-line within a month.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 17:23:34 +0000
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