Laura Days 2024: The 47th Annual Celebration Recap

Laura Days 2024: The 47th Annual Celebration Recap

Posted: December 10, 2024

Four women dressed in period clothing each holding various instruments

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum was delighted to welcome visitors from near and far for the 47th Annual Laura Days Celebration in Burr Oak. Both familiar faces and first-time guests filled the park and museum for a weekend rich with history, music, and community spirit.

A Weekend of History, Music, and Tradition

Saturday’s festivities began under bright sunshine, setting the stage for a memorable celebration of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Burr Oak’s pioneer heritage. Sarah Uthoff, an active Laura Ingalls Wilder researcher and reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, served as Saturday’s featured speaker. Portraying Laura Ingalls Wilder as she prepared to move to Missouri, Sarah shared stories from Laura’s “trunk” and also greeted visitors in the Pot Hollow Schoolhouse, bringing history vividly to life.

Additional highlights included Hops and Hymns, led by Pastor Werges and Renae, the community parade announced by Janelle, and the always-popular pie auction conducted by Steve. Musical moments throughout the weekend included Knightly’s fiddle solos and Karlie’s performance of the national anthem.

On Sunday, the ecumenical church service featured Sister Luv, who shared their gospel program through heartfelt music and personal stories. Based in Spring Valley, Minnesota, the four sisters of Sister Luv have performed together for most of their lives and have appeared at venues ranging from theaters and churches to community events and charitable gatherings across the region.

Little Miss Laura Announcement

During Laura Days, Rose Otto of Harmony, Minnesota, daughter of Doug and Sarah Otto, was named Little Miss Laura for the 2024–2025 year. Named as Prairie Girls were Knightly Rich, Aria Yoder, and Melea Downing, who will join Rose in representing the museum at parades, fundraisers, and community events throughout the coming year.

Thank You to Our Supporters

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the many volunteers and helpers who made the weekend possible, including Susan, Julie, Sally, Erika, Kathleen, Marion, Carol, Marlene, Bill, Tom, and the Hesper Helpers 4H, who assisted in the food tent. Special thanks to Joe and James for transportation support and Harlan for providing sound equipment.

We are also grateful to our generous sponsors and donors: CRS Fabrication, Stannard Trucking, Humanities Iowa, Bodensteiner Implement, Decorah Rental, IROC, Barney’s Bar and Grill, Frito Lay, and Thrivent, as well as the talented pie bakers who made the auction a sweet success.

Laura Days Winners

  • Laura Days Raffle: Mary S. won the fire ring donated by CRS Fabrication. Other raffle winners included Noreen, Markus, Karlee B., Laurie B., Jim O., Tim D., and Heath W.
  • Children’s Coloring Contest: Congratulations to Karissa Holler of Lansing, Iowa, the contest winner.

Thanks to everyone’s support and participation, Laura Days 2024 was a wonderful celebration of history, community, and shared memories. We hope all visitors had a safe trip home and look forward to welcoming you back next year.

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