Pioneer Day History
In 2005, Mr. Harold McLeod suggested that the DeSoto County Historical Society have a “Pioneer Day” festival, and the Society held the first one on April 12 that year at the Tree of Knowledge Park. Under the leadership of President Jerald Newberry and Secretary Raynelle Newberry, the event featured demonstrations of old-time skills and crafts, musical entertainment and storytelling, Florida authors, historical displays, and a raffle. In 2007, it was moved to a larger venue–McSwain Park, across Oak Street from the DeSoto County Courthouse. It then outgrew that site and moved to Veteran’s Park on State Road 70 in 2010.
In 2008, a caricature drawn by Luke Wilson of James Mitchell “Acrefoot” Johnson, a DeSoto County legend, became Pioneer Day’s official logo. At 6‘7” and 250 lbs., Johnson delivered the mail between Fort Ogden and Fort Meade by walking the 60-mile route in one day–twice a week. Tales about him abound–some fact and some fiction.
In 2010, team of emergency service personnel competed in a Barbecued Rib Cook-off, and although the Society has dispensed with the cook-off, the BBQ remains an integral part of the festival. Special and traditional Florida foods–such as the Arcadia Woman’s Club’s strawberry shortcake plus homemade jams jellies, and desserts—are available.
From 2010 to 2014, Pioneer Day was an official Florida Heritage Month event/ Since 2019, Pioneer Day has been the featured event of the John Morgan Ingraham House Museum for the Florida Department of State’s “March of Museums” (marchofmuseums.com).
Pioneer Day offers family fun of all kinds. A “Discover History” hands-on area is FREE and includes old-fashioned toys and games, cane pole fishing, washing clothes with a scrub board and wash pot, a pitcher pump, writing with a dip pen, orange juicing, and much more. Demonstrators also show off their skills in basket-weaving, blacksmithing, butter-churning, candle-dipping, quilting, soap-making, spinning, woodworking, and other crafts.
Clubs, churches, and other organizations display their history. Musicians—including singer-songwriters—entertain, along with legendary characters Arcadia Albritton Coker and James Mitchell “Acrefoot” Johnson. Animals, a classic fire truck, Florida authors and artists–all showcase Florida’s unique heritage and history.
Twenty years of Pioneer Day
This was our twentieth Pioneer Day, which means that the children who attended those first years are now likely parents with their own children. The smiles on the children’s faces and the memories in their heads are the reason we keep doing this.
The DeSoto County Historical Society’s 20th Annual Pioneer Day on March 23, 2024, was a huge success! Entertainment, food and a place to eat, hands-on activities for everyone and a multitude of assorted vendors enjoyed the air-conditioned comfort of the Turner Agri-Civic Center. Outside was our BBQ, more hands-on activities, more vendors and—of course—the Arcadia American Legion-sponsored Antique Tractor and Hit and Miss Engine Show. The weather was perfect, and visitors had only good things to say. Join us for Pioneer Day on March 29, 2025!
More details to come.