Prep for Happy Trails/The Dan Patch Fun Show

I'm really busy working on plans for Happy Trails V - The Dan Patch Show. While the show is an invitational pony party/swap meet/show, I still will be asking guests to RSVP so I can plan where tables will go, how many swag bags to make, etc. 

So, last week Lisa and I drove out to Oxford (a twenty-five minute drive from my house; so close!) and met with Brooke to tour the building and get plans into place.

The first thing we saw as we drove into town was this mural.

Oxford is very proud of being Dan Patch's birthplace and where he started his racing career. He lived there for the first six years of his life. Not only did he race while he lived there, but he pulled delivery wagons for Dan Messner, too.

The Dan Messner building where the show will be held is right on the town square. One of the things I wanted to check out was parking, and I was pleased to see when I arrived that there was plenty right there in front of the building. Plus, that accessibility ramp to the left of my car will make it easy for people to bring in their tubs and things.

Isn't the tile mosaic beautiful?

When Brooke and Tom bought the building a few years ago, it was in sad shape and on the verge of demolition. They are lovingly restoring it and while it's not finished, it's finished enough for events. They have renamed it The Prairie Victorian.

The double doors are original and 15 feet tall. What a gorgeous door handle!

I love bells (think sleigh bells and the farmhouse dinner bell at the barn) and this one jingles every time the door is opened.

A look from the back of the main floor looking forward to the front double doors. Brooke has lights she hangs for events that she will put up for us. Those original wood floors are going to be gorgeous when she and Tom restore them!

We sat in antique chairs by the front doors and discussed how the day would go, asked questions, and figured out details. I think this is really going to be a fun and a unique opportunity for us all to experience some Dan Patch history, right where it happened. 

When we finished, next on our list was to continue to look at parking and then talk to a woman who will be doing box lunches for us.

The town square's park and pavilion is right across from the building. This summer Oxford held an event where there was a potluck in the park and then everyone came across the street to the Prairie Victorian and had a hoe down!

See the big rectangular white sign? That's The Market by Midwest Prime Farms, the place that will make our box lunches. Right across the street; easy peasy!

While we were across the street at The Market, I snapped a photo of the Prairie Victorian's side, again to check on parking options.

There's plenty of room for parking beside it

and on both sides of the road. No one is going to have to hike a long distance to reach the show hall.

Lisa and I wrapped up with Brooke and then headed out. We wanted to find Dan Patch's barn and historical marker, and we wanted to try out the other restaurant in town.

The Dan Patch Cafe.

Stay 'tooned!