Stan Rauch
Manager, Prairie Village

We hosted the highest number of campers over the 4th of July holiday that we have ever had, right at 100. With 234 camp sites with electricity on the grounds, we always have sites available throughout the summer. The only exception is during the Steam Threshing Jamboree as those sites get reserved within a couple of days of the conclusion of the previous year’s Jamboree. We have experienced a steady increase in camping at the village and we expect that to continue. We offer camping all the way into early October.

Our annual Railroad Days event that was held last weekend was another enjoyable one. This annual event is when we showcase the Prairie Village, Herman and Milwaukee Railroad and provide the public with the opportunity to learn more about railroading. Attendees of all ages enjoyed riding the train, motor cars and the doodlebug, and touring the roundhouse and the historic chapel car Emmanuel. And there was the always popular hobo stew on Sunday.

With regard to upcoming events, the 20th Annual Madison Car Show will be held here at the village on August 4th. To register vehicles and obtain information on the event go to prairievillage.org/madison-car-show. This is always a fun event and a great time to come out to see some wonderfully preserved and restored vehicles from yesteryear. There will be 12 classes, two of which are motorcycle classes. First, second and third place in each class with be awarded, plus a People’s Choice Award chosen by ballot by those attending the event.

The work to put new siding on the library is now complete and the windows will be installed in the next few days. The new siding greatly improves the appearance and protection of this historic building. A $5,000 grant received from the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation was a significant factor in the success of this vital project.

We continue to host family and class reunions, scouting and 4-H events, and provide our churches for weddings. The village will take on the appearance of being a marriage mill this Saturday as we will have two weddings on that day at the same time. One will be held in the Junius Church and the other in the Goodwin Church.

The Prairie Village website at prairievillage.org contains a wide variety of information on the many aspects of the village. Don’t hesitate to call the office at 256-3644 or e-mail prairiev@rapidnet.com for additional information or assistance.