Here’s an event to put on your calendar — September 13 is Pioneer Day in Crookston. Jerry Amiot spoke with Phil McKenzie about the yearly event, its history, and this year’s arts line up, including Project Constellation, The WoodPicks, Dean & Peggy, blacksmithing demonstrations, and wheat weaving.

The 2026 Pioneer Day will be held at the Polk County Museum and in various buildings on its grounds located at 719 East Robert Street in Crookston. The event begins at 11 AM and ends at 4 PM. 

12:30 PM "Dean and Peggy" a musical duo from the Bemidji area, with guitar, mandolin, banjo and jaw harp, will perform Celtic and fiddle tunes. 
1:45 PM   "Project : Constellation" a duo from Grand Forks will perform live traditional Scandinavian music, with guitar and violin. 
3 PM   "The WoodPicks" from Thief River Falls will perform an acoustic mix of Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and Americana music.

The event is free to attend. Organized by the Polk County Historical Society. They received funding from the NWMAC.