Hundreds of volunteers and exhibitors and thousands of visitors have contributed to the success of Heritage Days for 25 years. The banner above includes four photos from Heritage Days 2009. Vendors are welcomed on Sunday of Heritage Days each year, and the end images show items offered for sale by vendors. The two images in the center are from demonstrations by volunteers of activities that are part of our heritage. The first is by Elizabeth and Cathy Ziegler of Clear Lake and John Feyen from Wanderoos who demonstrated butter making and gave samples. The second photo shows Kim Knutson, middle school art teacher at St. Croix Central in Hammond, at her spinning wheel.

Clicking on the thumbnail images below will open larger photos from Heritage Days 2009 and 2010. Use your browser's Back button to return to the thumbnails. Here are four more photos from Heritage Days 2009.

Modeling a colorful apron, Julie Gaede talked with visitors about Tutapona and the mission that she, her husband and daughters have in Uganda. You can learn more about Tutapona here.

Julie Gaede and the friends helping her at the exhibit were selling crafts from Uganda including the dolls shown in the banner above, aprons, baskets, and these exquisite bone bracelets.

One of the vendors that caught my attention was this flute player. He drew such wonderful music from these traditional Incan flutes that we bought a small one for our grandson.

Cathy and Elizabeth Ziegler demonstrated butter churning and answered questions about the cream separators, butter churns and other items displayed. Visitors also got to taste newly churned butter.

2010 marked the 25th anniversary of Heritage Days. Scheduled for the last weekend in September, Heritage Days are sometimes cool and cloudy and September showers have put in an occasional appearance. The 2010 celebration, however, was blessed with beautiful weather, and everyone basked in the warm sunshine. Here are a handful of the many photos I took as my wife and I visited with some of the volunteers.

Lisa used a treadle sewing machine to produce quilt squares in the Bell-Tierney House. Younger visitors were intrigued to see a sewing machine without a motor.

Shaunie and Lacey operated the Fish Pond this year. This regular feature of Heritage Days is a popular stop for younger visitors.

Many visitors make a point of having lunch at the food tent. Denny Johnson was busy grilling the hot dogs and bratwursts.

In the Ubet Store Bridget, her sisters and sister-in-law dipped ice cream in much the same way that clerks served customers many years ago.

These Civil War reenactors recall the "Iron Brigade of the West" or "Black Hats," one of the most famous units in the Army of the Potomac. Learn more about this famous Wisconsin brigade here.

And of course there are always animals at Heritage Days. I particularly liked the hedgehog this year, but this young visitor was very interested in a giant cockroach.