Pioneer Days: Fall fun doesn’t get any better!

When the cooler Autumn weather finds its way to the Ozark Foothills of Madison County, it brings with it a grand opportunity to explore the countryside and take in a local festival or two.  For the past 20 years, Marquand has hosted its Annual Pioneer Days, a fun-filled and colorful experience that has grown immensely over time. 

This year’s event will open on the evening of September 30th at Homan Hall Performing Arts Center where the stage welcomes “Comin’ Home – The Whitener Family!”  With roots that run deep in the history of Marquand and Madison County, The Whitener Family will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and singing along with familiar tunes, as you enjoy down-home instrumentals and sweet harmonies!  You’ll also appreciate the talent of the Great, Great, Great Grandson of Captain Henry Whitener, Daniel, who resides in New York, and is an aspiring young musician who has written and recorded many of the songs you’ll find on his last CD.  The performance will kick off at 7:00 p.m., and is sure to be an evening you won’t want to miss! 

Then on Saturday morning, October 1st, the downtown area will explode with activity!  You can kick off your morning with Breakfast at the Marquand Methodist Church, while you wait for the Vendors of all types to set up their tents and facilities.  Offering an array of Food, Traditional Crafts, Art, Jewelry, and hand-made items for sale, you’ll find just about anything you want and a little more!  The park will be alive with Children’s Games, Fun-Filled Activities, including a Kiddy Tractor Pull, and Live Music from the E.S. Lett Bridge/Leslie Denney Memorial Bandstand. 

Across the town, you’ll find lots of activities to keep you and your family intrigued and occupied!  Everything from a Multi-Class Car Show hosted by Marquand Development Corporation and located in the Downtown paved Parking Lot, to Timber Sports – a Sanctioned Event sponsored by Gipson Pallet Stock and Trackside Hardwoods, to the Vintage Tractor and Steam Engine Show sponsored by Marquand Market and CMI, to the Sand Volleyball Tournament, and the Rob Stephens Memorial Horseshoe Tournament, plus Historic Tours of the Henry and Jane (Bess) Sitze Log Homestead, and The Reagan Hotel and Garden, Homan Hall Performing Arts Center and Antique Shops, Wine Tasting at Durso Hills Bistro and Winery, Dining Opportunities at Marquand Market and The Hide-A-Way, the Art of Mike Phelps (who will be painting on location) at The Gallery, an Encampment by the Civil War Reenactment Group, an Archery Demonstration, and Much, Much More! 

For further information about the event and activities, please contact Allison Boyer at 573-783-6482.