Pioneer Village to observe Fourth with annual celebration

• Melodrama

Cast members (from left) Peter Scholtes, Warren Wass, Bridget Wass, Megan Hartzler, Caleb Wede, Camila Wede, Sara Hartzler and Anya Hartzler rehearse for Monday’s performance of the comedic murder mystery “Who Shot Calhoun Cahootz?” in the barn at Pioneer Village in Worthington.

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WORTHINGTON — This year marks the 235th birthday for the United States of America, and while Pioneer Village isn’t quite that old, it offers a perfect venue for celebrating the Fourth of July.

A fundraiser for the Nobles County Historical Society, the Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration will draw up to 3,000 people for a variety of events Monday at the historic setting, located adjacent to the Nobles County Fairgrounds in Worthington.

“The gates open at 9 a.m.,” said Jacoba Nagel, president of the NCHS. “The flier we’ve handed out says 10 a.m., but we don’t want too much of a flood coming in at one time.”

Visitors to Pioneer Village will be able to wander about freely and take in all the sights and activities.

“We have numerous heritage displays,” said Roy Reimer, head pioneer and caretaker at Pioneer Village. “We enjoy having self-guided tours because we simply have so much going on.”

Reimer will demonstrate the milling of flour on the north end of the village, while cookies will be baked in an antique oven in a nearby shop.

“Westminister (Presbyterian) Church is grilling burgers, and we’ll be handing out popcorn and refreshments,” Reimer said. “Donations will be appreciated.”

With the exception of a large tin-roofed barn, all buildings in the village will be open all day. Although the barn will only be open a couple hours out of the entire day, it will likely see the most people — sitting in the audience. This year’s play, “Who Shot Calhoun Cahootz?” — a “gosh, gee-whiz” melodrama, as described by Reimer — will have three performances.

Directed by Isaac Wass, the play takes a comical approach to a murder investigation set in the Old West.

“It adds a mysterous twist to go along with all of the comedy,” Wass said. “All that I can say is, it’s gonna be good.”

Wass has taken over directing duties from John Widboom, who oversaw and acted in the production for many years.

“When he stepped down, he left big shoes to fill,” said Wass, whose own theater experience came from Worthington High School drama and play activities. “Linda Neugebauer recommended me for the job, and the rest is history.”

“Who Shot Calhoun Cahootz?” will be performed at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. Monday.

In conjunction with the Pioneer Village festivities, the local Prairie Reapers group will present its 25th annual Power Reunion, featuring Allis Chalmers machinery.

A tractor pull is set for 11 a.m., and the tractor parade rolls out at 1 p.m.

“We always put on a good show,” said Reinerd Bosma, Prairie Reapers president. “We look forward to everyone going out and enjoying themselves.”

The schedule at Pioneer Village will also feature performances by an a cappela group from St. John’s Lutheran Church from 10:15 to 11 a.m.; honey products available for purchase; displays of a covered wagon and firetruck; and food stands located at the tractor pull and the firehall. In addition, the Prairie Reapers have organized a church service featuring De Bolluyt at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the big church at Pioneer Village.

Tags: pioneer village, news, worthington