Bishop Hill VASA is celebrating its version of The Kentucky Derby with a Finnish Field Day, featuring Hobby Horse games on Saturday, May 24. Festivities begin at 1 p.m., and the event is open to participants of all ages.
As you enter the village, the grassy area north of the VASA lodge will be sectioned off for each contest. Riders can compete in jumps, barrel racing, jousting, and polo. There is also a section for “dressage”, the term for horse dancing. The schedule for the day is as follows:
1 pm – Races
1:45 – Jumps
2:30 – Dressage lesson
3:15 – Polo
Supplies were available for a small fee to “build-your-own” racing steeds if you don’t have one in your “stable” at home. Contestants are encouraged to dress in costumes complimenting their horse, and audience members are welcome to cheer loudly for their favorite racers.
A variety of crafts will be available for children, and refreshments will be served at the finish line. McConnell Heating and Cooling of Woodhull is sponsoring the event.
Children and adults have been riding hobby or stick horses for centuries, with the first clear mention of them dating back to 1572. The practice was often used to mock elites, for battle reenactments, or just to “horse around” the playground.
The 2017 Finnish film Keppihevosten Vallankumous (Hobbyhorse Revolution) introduced hobby horse racing to the general public. The movie explores the physical and mental health benefits accompanying the activity, making it a popular sport for children and adults throughout Europe and Asia.
The Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge is hosting the event in the area to the north of the lodge. The Vasa is one of the oldest organizations in Bishop Hill and is dedicated to preserving the history of the village. It welcomes visitors who wish to learn about how the area was settled and what the town offers in the way of museums, restaurants, and historic sites.
For information on the Hobby Horse races or other VASA events, contact archivist Kathy Cuff at (309) 927-3898 or vasaarchivist@gmail.com.
