The annual 19th Century harvest festival, the 53rd Jordbruksdagarna – pronounced yord-brooks-DAH-ga-na-will take place Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 in historic Bishop Hill.
At the festival, attendees can expect a variety of free traditional craft demonstrations, food, vendors and hands-on activities for the children, along with music and historical skits. Jordbruksdagarna – Swedish for “agricultural days” runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In the village park, artisans will weave, carve wood, forge metal and make butter. Vendors will also be selling baked goods, crafts, and much more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Musical performances will include Coffee Creek at noon and 2 p.m., and the Nordic Dancers of Chicago at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the gazebo.
Jordbruksdagarna is celebrated not just in the park but 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. Nature’s Creations will be selling pumpkins, gourds and more by the Colony Store. Behind the Bjorklund Hotel from noon to 4 p.m. visitors, especially children, can try their hand at shelling corn, making bricks, pressing apples into cider, and creating a cornhusk doll. There you can also view sorghum pressing and cooking.
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. The Henry County Historical Museum and the Bishop Hill Agricultural Association will be conducting 19th century harvest activities at the museum and by the Krans Livery Stable.
The Colony School will be hosting a “Meet the Colonists” display. Author Mary Davidsaver will be doing a book signing at the Prairie Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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.
On Saturday, Sept. 27 the Old Settlers’ Association will be selling their famous Colony Stew from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Colony School. At the Steeple Building Museum, the BHHA Acting Troupe will perform their Bishop Hill Colony history skit, “On the Road Again!” starting at 11 a.m.
In the southwest corner of the park, TriCo Equestrian Center will have pony rides from noon to 3 p.m. for a fee. Miller’s Petting Zoo will be located in the northwest corner of the park. The traditional Irish music duo “The Ammonites” will be busking outside the Bishop Hill Creative Commons from noon to 2 p.m. Author Jannifer Powelson will be doing a book signing at the Prairie Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the Henry County Museum from 1 to 2:30 p.m., there will be a presentation on Illinois Ho-Chuck Native Americans. The Bishop Hill Methodist Church will be having a bake sale and Operation Christmas Child will be having a pulled ham lunch by the Steeple Building.
On Sunday, Sept. 28 only, there will be a Community Church Service in the park at 10 a.m. which is open to the public.
For more details about Jordbruksdagarna activities, call 309 927-3899, email bhha@mymctc.net, or view www.visitbishophill.com.
