Contact:Keri O’Keefe
Wisconsin Historical Society
Phone: 6082619597
E-Mail: keri.okeefe@wisconsinhistory.org
Prairie Du Chien, Wis. – On September 8-10, the annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic will be held at the Villa Louis Mansion, from 8:00am – 4:00pm each day. This stylish event highlights competitive carriage driving in arena and obstacle classes and is considered one of the Midwest’s most elegant and lavishly-appointed equine sport driving competitions.
“We are excited to welcome competitors from across the United States for this year’s event,” said Susan Caya-Slusser, site director of the Southwest Historic Sites. “This classic event provides a glimpse into what it was like at Villa Louis during the pinnacle of the Dousman era stock farm.”
The Carriage Classic occurs within the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Villa Louis Mansion in Prairie du Chien. The event will host the region’s finest horses and over 100 new and restored carriages will compete in a variety of arena and cross-country events. During the Dousman era, the Villa Louis Historic Site was home to the “Artesian Stock Farm,” a premier standardbred training facility, known as one of the Midwest’s finest racehorse farms.
Both daily and weekend admission allows spectators to view the Carriage Classic competitions, seating and a tour of the Villa Louis Historic Site and the new exhibit in the mansion: “And the Bride Wore: 50 Years of Wisconsin Wedding Fashion.” The daily rate for an adult: $15, children: $7.50 or guests can purchase a weekend pass: $25 for adults and $15 for children. Meal tickets are also available for purchase. Lunch will be served Friday, Saturday and Sunday and breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday. Cash and credit card accepted. For more information, call 608-326-2721 or visit www.villalouis.org.
About Villa Louis
Villa Louis Historic Site is on the of Wisconsin Historical Society’s twelve historic sites and museums. All Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to the twelve historic sites. The historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion has finished a top-to-bottom documentary restoration that has returned the Dousman home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. Visit www.villalouis.org for a complete list of 2016 Programs & Events or call 608-326-2721 for more information.
About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit .
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