DARLINGTON — The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society (LCHGS) is presenting a three-day celebration of the county’s history — in particular some of the fascinating people that helped create the county that’s enjoyed today. The three-day party is open to the public with free admission at Veterans Park and the Museum, located at 525 Main Street in Darlington.

The event will change to every-other-year moving forward, so the next festival will not be until Sept. 2025.  

The event is educational, entertaining and just plain fun. Visitors can enjoy special displays of ancient artifacts, Native American History, and the a large Quilt Show featuring the work of area quilters and the Museum’s Quilt Collection. There will be demonstrations and hands-on activities including shooting rifles, cannon, throwing tomahawk, primitive archery, and fire starting. Visitors can add their own stitches to the Quilting Bee. Museum Staff has assembled a quilt from donated quilt squares, to be quilted in the park under an awning. Characters from the county’s history will stroll the park and share their stories. Fur Trade Era and Civil War Era reenactors will be encamped in the park.

Additional schedule:

●  Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — School children visits will be the focus.

●  Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Craft fair, food vendors including Darlington Optimist Club Cheese Curds, Lucky Cow, and Alivia’s Grill, and more; and live music from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

●  Sunday — The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold their meeting (open to the public) in the park on Sunday at 1 p.m.

LCHGS is asking everyone to consider being involved in the celebration. They need volunteers to help direct visitors in the Museum and the Park, assist with hands-on activities, portray historical characters, crafters and farmers market vendors for Saturday morning. LCHS is also inviting all non-profit organizations to set up a stand to promote their organization or raise funds. “Build the Pool” is invited to bring their lemonade stand, Lions Club their brat stand, Historic Argyle their upcoming event information and raffle tickets, Friends of the Driver their mittens. All organizations aimed at helping the community are welcome to take advantage of this gathering.

For more information, call 608-776-8340 or 608-482-2483.

BRODHEAD — Join the Sagen and Associates parking lot from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 for a safe driving event to be hosted by Better Brodhead.

Learn about the ways substance use and electronics can negatively affect ones ability to drive safely. There will be representatives from several local businesses/organizations present to answer your questions regarding insurance, driver training and the legal ramifications of driving under the influence or while distracted.

One week later, on Sept. 27, Better Brodhead, in partnership with LGBTQ+ advocate, Stephanie Hormig to present Safe Zone Training from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Brodhead Memorial Public Library.

By the end of the training, participants should have a deeper familiarity and comfort with LGBTQ+ vocabulary, how to use inclusive practices, and how to advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. Participants will leave with ideas on how to make their community a safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQ+ members.

For more information, questions or to register, contact Jessica Marass at jmarass@betterbrodhead.org. For the local events calendar, go to the Better Brodhead website at https://betterbrodhead.org/.