Kid Stuff Events Activities For Kids

Pioneer Days Steams in With the Phoenix Log Hauler

Aug. 12-14 event features historical demonstrations and equipment – including rare E.C.-made machine

Sawyer Hoff |

PAST IN THE PRESENT. One of the big attractions at Pioneer Days, Aug. 12-14, will be an original Phoenix log hauler like this one, a steam-powered, off-road vehicle that was built right here in Eau Claire.  (Image via Facebook)
PAST IN THE PRESENT. One of the big attractions at Pioneer Days, Aug. 12-14, will be an original Phoenix log hauler like this one, a steam-powered, off-road vehicle that was built right here in Eau Claire.  (Images via Facebook)

Ever wanted to experience life in the past? The Chippewa Valley Antique Engine & Model Club Inc. is hosting Pioneer Days on Aug. 12-14 in Pioneer Park, just a few miles south of Eau Claire on Highway 37. This year, the weekend event is showcasing a rare Phoenix Log Hauler – a circa 1909 steam-powered logging machine. This amazing vehicle is essentially a steam locomotive with tank treads, and it was built by the Phoenix Manufacturing Co. in what is now Phoenix Park!

Pioneer Days starts Friday, Aug. 12, with activities and demonstrations such as wood sawing, blacksmithing, gas and steam engines, and plowing, as well as flea markets, concessions, and much more. Saturday is a full day of log sawing demonstrations, a silent auction, more flea markets, pioneer activities, live accordion music, and antique and kiddie tractor pulls. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served. There will also be antique cars, trucks, and fire trucks on display.

Sunday will wrap the whole event up with all the same fun, but with an exciting Parade of Power at noon. Sunday is also “Sunday Fun Day” where kids can bring their power wheels or other pedal toys for races and obstacle courses. 

Be a part of the Chippewa Valley’s long logging history by seeing what life was like in Pioneer Days.

 

To learn more, you can go to pioneer-days.org or visit the event’s Facebook page.


Want to see a Phoenix Log Hauler in action? Check out this YouTube clip from a demonstration in Wabeno, Wisconsin, a few years ago: