Working CraftsWatch craftsmen ply their trades before your eyes in the Working Crafts area. Blacksmiths will be forging metal, quilters will be quilting, and many many more.
Pioneer VillageTake a look at how the Pioneers lived in this historically based display and demonstration. The public is invited to watch and learn as the pioneers cook, do chores, and even trap.
Pre 1840 Primative LodgesHave you ever wondered what it would be like to live out on the prairie? With this display, you'll find out. Walk through the primitive lodges and see history unfold before you.
Dean Tibbs Tomahawk ThrowTest your throwing accuracy in this contest. Competitors throw tomahawks (small hand axes) at a card which is pinned to a wooden block. The object is to cut the card, and thereby gain points. The person with the most points will be dubbed the winner. Competition is divided into the Men's, Women's, and Children's divisions.
RailsplittingThis event was a chore once upon a time, and now you will be able to watch men and women alike split logs into beautiful rails. The fierce competition between the contenders will keep you on the edge of your seat. The contest is divided up into four categories: Junior, Team, Amateur, and Professional. Try your hand at this event, or just watch and root for your friends, either way, it will be an event you won't want to miss. Bring your lawn chairs out to the grassy area to view this great competition. In the event of rain, the national contest on Sunday will be moved inside.
Children's GamesThroughout the festival grounds there will be games and activities for children of all ages.
Selling CraftsThese vendors will be selling hand made craft items from their booths. Walk through this section and start shopping, because you will not want to pass up these works of art.
EntertainmentEnjoy old time music, dancing, food, and contest events at this year's festival!
VFWVendors and the Silent Auction will be at the VFW. The Silent Auction will end at 2:00pm on Sunday, September 16th.
Historical DisplaysIf you would like to learn more about the historical factors represented by the Railsplitting Festival, then come look at the historical displays, inside and out of the old Postville Courthouse. These educational displays show history in many different ways.
Home Show VendorsOnce again, the Railsplitting Festival will be opening its doors to commercial vendors. Take a look at what all of these home design representatives have to offer.
Trick Riding with Rita Coleman and Hilary ShawHilary Shaw started trick riding with Henson Stables in 2005. She had never even been to a rodeo before and had hardly ridden any horses. After 1 lesson with Penny Henson Dunning, she was hooked. She rode with Henson Stables Drill Team and Trick Riders for a few years, then partnered with Rita Coleman. Finally getting her own horse in 2010, she took a few years off from rodeos and is back at it again with Rita and equine partner, Domino. Domino is a 14 year old registered paint with an adorable face.
Rita Coleman grew up riding horses and learned trick riding from a legend named Doris Henson. Rita rode on the Henson Stables Drill Team while raising her family and returned to trick riding in 2008. She has ridden for various rodeo companies in the surrounding states and is currently ranked 7th in the trick riding open women’s division. Rita rides Lakota, a 17 year old paint with a movie star mane and tail.
Rita and Hilary make up the Running Wild Trick Riding Team. You can book them for anything from parades and birthday parties to festivals and rodeos. For booking call 217-871-9744 or 217-620-1269.
