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Clinton celebrates its 175th anniversary

CLINTON — On Saturday, Goose was nervous.

It was her first parade, which was slightly behind schedule. It had rained earlier, but now it was hot.

Fortunately, Goose, a lamb, didn’t know about the massive animals that were scheduled to follow her, or she might have bolted for freedom.

On Saturday, Clinton’s 175th anniversary celebration featured the Prairie Days Parade. More than 60 horses, some in teams pulling wagons, other being ridden individually, made up the 33 parade entries.

The parade was part of the three-day anniversary celebration that includes a tractor show, carnival, a “Taste of Clinton” event and citywide rummage sales. The festivities continue today and include fireworks at dusk.

Goose, a Southdown lamb, led the parade and pulled a little red wagon with a basket of flowers and Nikki, an American Girl Doll dressed as a pioneer. Attached to the wagon was a cheerful sign that said “Happy Birthday Clinton.”

Dalissa Moser, 10, of Clinton, was in charge of Goose. Moser also was dressed as a pioneer—except for her modern sneakers. The crowds lining Allen Street didn’t seem to notice.

After her came a stunning collection of Percherons, Haflingers, miniature horses, Belgium mules, horses of all varieties and even a rare leopard-spotted mule.

They were pulling surreys, Amish market buggies, covered wagons and steel-wheeled wagons.

Green Oaks Stables of Caledonia brought a wagon pulled by six Percherons. Their glossy black coats and the noise of their dinner-plate sized feet drew admiring stares.

Not everyone was equally impressed.

Jack Borchardt, a little guy, sat in his saddle while his father, Dan Borchardt, a farrier from Clinton, walked along side.

When prompted by his father, Jack waved in a desultory manner.

The best part of the parade might have been when the boy, his dad and his horse stopped at an intersection where the police were directing traffic.

“Look, a police car!” he said excitedly.

IF YOU GO

The 175th anniversary celebration in Clinton continues today.

The schedule includes:

9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Historical encampment and re-enactment on Mills Street and County J.

10 a.m.: Community church service, high school football fields, 112 Milwaukee Road.

Noon-6 p.m.: Carnival, municipal parking lot.

1-4 p.m.: Library open house and book sale.

1-3 p.m.: Antique appraisals with Mark Moran of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, First Presbyterian Church, 312 Church St.

2:30 p.m.: Time capsule ceremony, downtown.

3-4 p.m.: Ice cream social, downtown.

3-4 p.m.: Christian music concert, downtown.

Dusk: Fireworks, Clinton High School football field.