The Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society is bringing a full slate of activities to this year’s Corn Carnival — history, art, shopping, and a little Victorian charm, all within a short stroll of each other.
1. Start at the Museum
The Blakesburg Community Museum will be open Friday evening from 4–7 p.m. and Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Step inside the Museum and explore artifacts and stories unique to Blakesburg’s history — from tales of vigilante justice and the story and original photographs of James Richard “Little George” Townsend, a little-person circus performer, to a display of Blakesburg pottery by L.T. Stuart, a growing collection of memorabilia from Blakesburg’s former school, and much more.
While you’re there, try your hand at the traditional WITWIT contest (What In The World Is This?) by examining a mystery antique and guessing what it is.
Then take your best guess at the Count the Corn Kernels contest.
On your way out, stop for a photo with Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam, BHPS’s Historic Hills Scenic Byway scarecrows, standing watch outside the Museum.
2. Follow the Walk Toward the Abernathy House
Leaving the Museum, follow the sidewalk toward the historic Abernathy House. Along the way, watch for a newly installed interpretive panel highlighting Blakesburg’s early history. At the front gate of the House, a second panel shares the story of the 1892 Abernathy House and the family who called it home.
3. Through the Abernathy Gate
Enter the gate and you’ll find the first annual Fine Art and Artisan Market, open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and featuring pottery, fine art, and other handmade works. Browse—and purchase—original work from six area artists and artisans: Bluff Creek Pottery, Jessie Fisher, Jessica Fenton, Kelly Cameron Patton, Sarah Long, and Steve West. Learn More
Nearby, Madison County Winery will offer wine tastings and take-home bottle sales from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday. Wine purchased at the event may not be opened or consumed on the grounds. Learn More
4. Step Inside the 1892 Abernathy House
From noon–6 p.m. Saturday, step through the front door and tour one of Blakesburg’s most recognizable historic landmarks while seeing BHPS’s room-by-room restoration firsthand. Walk through the same rooms once occupied by Moses and Louisa Abernathy and their family.
The restored formal parlor is now joined by the newly completed formal dining room, returned to its Victorian-era character with period-inspired décor and antique furnishings.
Before you leave, learn about the next restoration project planned for the Abernathy House and how BHPS continues working to preserve this important piece of Blakesburg history.
5. One Last Stop — Don’t Forget the Raffle!
Before your Corn Carnival visit is over, make sure you’ve picked up your BHPS raffle tickets. Tickets are $1 each or $10 for a book of 11 and are available now at the Blakesburg Community Museum on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30–11:30 a.m., as well as from BHPS volunteers around town.
Ticket sales continue through Corn Carnival, right up until the 8 p.m. drawing Saturday night. You need not be present to win.
From the Museum to the Abernathy House and all along the way, we hope you’ll spend part of your Corn Carnival with BHPS — exploring Blakesburg’s past, enjoying the present, and helping us continue preserving these places and stories for the future.
Special thanks to this year’s raffle sponsors:
Leffler Dirtworks — 18 tons of 1” roadstone, delivered within a 30-mile radius of Blakesburg
Co-sponsorsErvin Masonry and Peoples State Bank — $500
Soap Creek Outfitters — Youth Turkey Hunt (16 & younger with adult)
Gregg Young Automotive — $250
Susan Lay — a hand-made quilt: “Simply Scrappy”
Chariton Valley Electric Coop — Yeti Hopper M15 Soft Cooler
Artist Larry Zach — Framed Canvas: “Foggy Morning Trio—Canada Geese”
Falvey Lumber — a $100 gift certificate
Artist Larry Zach — Framed Canvas: “Proud To Be An American”
Casey’s General Store — gas/pizza cards
For more information on the Corn Carnival, visit their Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Blakesburg-Corn-Carnival-100068183241912/