The annual Jordbruksdagarna festival in Bishop Hill offers a glimpse into 19th-century farm life with craft demonstrations, music, and hands-on activities for children. Jordbruksdagarna – pronounced “yord-brooks-DAH-ga-na” – is Swedish for “earth work days.” The event will take place from September 28 to 29, 2024, featuring artisans, vendors, and historical performances. Special activities like a pedal tractor pull and antique tractor parade enhance the experience, celebrating Henry County’s rich agricultural heritage. Highlights include a pedal tractor pull and an antique tractor parade, underscoring Henry County’s deep agricultural roots. For more details about Jordbruksdagarna activities, call 309-927-3899, email [email protected], or visit www.visitbishophill.com. The festivities are from 10 AM to 4 PM both days. A full schedule is included below.
JORDBRUKSDAGARNA PROGRAM
September 28-29, 2024
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Activities occurring both days
VILLAGE PARK
Musical Performances at the gazebo:
Hammer and Pick—Noon & 2
Nordic Dancer—1 & 3
Demonstrations: Blacksmithing, Rope Making, Woodworking, Butter Making, and more. Located at northeast corner of the park
Petting Zoo: located at the northwest corner of the park
Vendors: Baked Goods, Soap. Crafts, and Much More. Located at southeast corner of the park.
BJORKLUND HOTEL
Noon-4 p.m. each day
Brick Making
Corn Husk Dolls
Corn Shelling
Sorghum Pressing
Sorghum Cooking
Cider Pressing
HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outside Antique Tractors Display
11 a.m. Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull
Noon Antique tractor parade around Bishop Hill
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Agriculture Demonstrations
PEOPLE MOVERS
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days with stops at the Henry County Museum, Colony School, Village Park, and the Colony Church
Colony School
11 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. Colony Stew sold by the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association
Saturday Only Activities
Concert: 10 a.m. at the Steeple Building Museum, Swedish music by Johan Johansson and Friends..
Acting Performance: 11 a.m. at the Steeple Building Museum, the BHHA Acting Troupe will perform their Bishop Hill Colony history skit On the Road Again!
Bake Sale: Bishop Hill Methodist Church will be having a bake sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. next to the Steeple Building.
Pony Rides: Provided by TriCo Equestrian Center from noon to 3 p.m. for a fee. Located at southwest corner of the park.
Book signing: Author Mary Davidsaver from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prairie Arts Center
Hat and Jewelry Bars: Showbarn Creations Hat bar and Forever and a Day Jewelry bar will be open at the Krans Kafe from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday Only Activities
Community Church Service-10 a.m. at the village park
Draw Me Bill from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Krans Kafe
Jordbruksdagarna is organized by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association and supported by the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Bishop Hill Agricultural Association, and VASA National Archives. The event is also partly funded by the Illinois Art Council, Nature’s Creations, State Bank of Toulon, Terra Form Power by Brookfield Renewable, Wilbur and Marilyn Nelson, River Valley Cooperative, Martin Tractor, Gold Star FS, Wyffels Hybrids, Peck Farms, Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association. WJRE is our major media sponsor. The Cambridge FFA, Galva FFA, and Galva Boy Scouts provided special assistance, along with many other volunteers.
