Pioneer Day Shares Kissimmee’s History

Over 100 years before Capone’s Dinner & Show started entertaining tourist in Kissimmee, Florida, settlers in this area used their talents to survive and thrive. They even did a little entertaining! History tells us our location was a much different place back then, however, this Saturday, why not see for yourself? Pioneer Day is this Saturday, November 14 at the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek.

Something to do that is Fun & Free

It has been a year since the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek opened to the public. It is a great small attraction which many locals and tourists have yet to visit. This event is a great reason to check it out. Not only is it fun, it is also free! Although the regular price of admission is only $7/adult and $3/child, hey, free is even better, right? Add in the special demonstrations, food and entertainment, and you’ll have a great day which also includes a history lesson.

Pioneer Days aims to summon us from our fast-paced lives back to a time when life was simpler. Step back in time to the late 19th century and tour the homes that the earlier settlers lived in. Did you know? These homes were moved to Shingle Creek after months of collecting them from all over Osceola County. Now that they have been gently preserved, history can be experienced and stories can be shared.

Tours & Live Demonstrations

Not only will you be able to tour the “cracker houses” and other buildings, you’ll also be able to watch live demonstrations. You’ll learn firsthand how the pioneers survived with so little compared to what we have today. The history behind each structure at this local attraction is very interesting. It includes farmers, ranchers, fruit growers, investors and Indians (sorry, no “wise guys” are mentioned at this point in our history). The homes and demonstrations include:

• Partin Family Caretaker’s House
• Blacksmith’s Shop (with a demonstration)
• Lanier “Cracker House”
• Tyson House (with a soap maker demonstration)
• Cow Camp with a cow hunter demonstration
• Seminole Villiage Chickee with a Seminole family demonstration
• Cadman Complex, Bungalow & Bachelor’s Quarters (meet Mrs. Cadman)

Kids Zone with Stories and Crafts

Be sure to bring the kids. At 11:30 a.m.  and 1:30 p.m. children will be able to listen to stories which are always fun when told by an excellent story-teller! If you can’t get them to do chores around your house, be prepared to see them having FUN doing “chores” as the pioneer children did. There will be a craft area as well. It’s a great event that your children will enjoy – with plenty of playing outside!

Market & Bake Sale

Not only will the gift shop at the Pioneer Village be open, a Real Florida Market will be set up during this special event. Art, crafts and baked goodies from local Florida residents will be offered for sale. Seasonal gifts will be a hit. Lunch is available too with the option of a hamburger from Southern Breeze or a BBQ Sandwich from Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ.

VIP Area

This event is free, however, upper level Patrons, Partners and special guests will have VIP tickets. An exclusive tent area will provide a catered breakfast, lunch, drinks, designated seating area and a special raffle. Supporters can help fund future projects which include a general store, a schoolhouse, a church, and train depot. Be sure to look into becoming a VIP at Pioneer Day (check out VIP tickets at Capone’s too)!

If you miss Pioneer Day, you can tour this piece of Kissimmee history any day between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Regular admission will be required. Pioneer Village is located at 2491 Babb Rd. in Kissimmee FL 34746. For more information visit their website at www.osceolahistory.org or call 407-396-8644.

Dinner Plans After Pioneer Day

After a day of living in the 1800’s, fast-forward to an evening in the early 1930’s. Join Al and his gang for a night to remember at Capone’s Dinner & Show. Get half-price tickets which include a delicious dinner buffet and a show that all ages enjoy. Introduce your kids to pioneers, Indians and silly gangsters all in one day!

Last Updated on January 19, 2018