Volunteers participating in the 2023 Friendship Wagon Train are gearing up for another 8-day trek through southeast Minnesota. The 35th annual wagon train is again raising funds for Special Olympics. They will be traveling the area June 24 through July 1. Keep your eyes and ears open to watch them and hear them make their way into your local town. The group will assemble at the Goodhue Country Fairgrounds in Zumbrota, Minnesota, on July 23. Their route will travel as follows: June 24 – Zumbrota to Mazeppa to Oronoco; June 25 – Oronoco to Elgin; June 26 – Elgin to St. Charles; June 27 – layover day at Winona County Fairgrounds in St. Charles; June 28 – St Charles to Pilot Mound to Lanesboro; June 29 – Lanesboro to Rushford; June 30 – Rushford to Houston. July 1 is their final ceremony in Houston at the Hoedown Grounds. Staff from the Special Olympics will greet the wagontrainers, and the group will deliver to them to them the donations collected during the week of the Wagon Train. In past years they have raised $20,000 to $25,000 for Special Olympics; they are setting their goals at being just as successful (possibly reaching a higher amount) for their 2023 trek.
The group will be collecting funds throughout their travels June 24-July 1. The public is invited to come out and watch them as they travel through the countryside and come to visit them in their evening camps. Stop by our Peddler Wagon to buy a souvenir or two. Feel free to walk through camp to get a look at the animals and wagons that they use to travel during the day. With the permission of the animal owners, you are likely to be able to pet some of the horses and mules, as well.
Organizations along the route who will be working with the Wagon Train include Lions Clubs, 4H Clubs, Churches, and American Legions. These groups will be providing meals for the wagon train participants, whether it be serving breakfast, lunch, or evening meal.
For further information, you may contact John or Monica Davis at 507-365-8064 prior to June 21. The 2023 Friendship Wagon Train looks forward to visiting your communities.
