Remaining Events for 2021

Aug. 29 Bentonsport Artist of the Year for 2021 is wire and wood artist Doug Adams of Fairfield. His hand twisted tree sculptures are made using aluminum and copper wire and are mounted on slate or wood he harvests himself. Adams has had his own furniture making business and taught fine furniture and woodwork at Maharishi International University. In retirement he continues to pursue creative arts. Reception held in the Bentonsport Stone House meeting place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Punch, coffee, cake, nuts, and Addie May Fudge served. Visual presentation of how Adams creates his sculptures.

Oct. 8-10 Bentonsport River Fest 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. is part of the countywide Scenic Drive Festival. Vendors offer antiques, crafts and flea market items. Be entertained by fiddler Tom Shadonix, troubadour John Lee Boyer, and Steven Parker's illusion, comedy and ventriloquism. Also wine tasting, and food vendors Mitchells Kettle Corn and fresh lemonade, Big Guys Barbeque and Happi Lao Foods. Call Cheryl at Van Buren County Conservation, 319-293-3589, for more information.

Oct. 9-10 46th Annual Bentonsport Art Show featuring artists from IA, IL, and MO, demonstrations and sales. Sponsored by the Van Buren County Arts Council. For information contact Gin Lammert 641-208-5968.
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October Community Music Program, Historic Bentonsport Presbyterian Church. Date, time, and performances to be announced.

Dec. 4 Bentonsport Christmas, enjoy holiday shopping, treats, door prize drawing.

Check back occasionally. More events to be announced.

Heritage Day held July 17

Heritage Day is held annually in Bentonsport during the summer. This one day event features free covered wagon rides that stop at some of Bentonsport's historic buildings where wagon riders meet several 1850s characters who share a glimpse of what life was like in Bentonsport. 

Other activities include meeting artisans who share how crafts and works of art popular in the 1850s were made. Games of the era are available to play in the riverside park, including croquet and stilt walking. Lunch is available from vendors. The Bentonsport shopkeepers offer a prize drawing for a basket of items from their inventories. Musicians perform at various locations in the village throughout the day. There are also museums to visit, including the Indian Artifact Museum and the Odd Fellows Museum.

Each year guest performers or collectors demonstrate and teach activities enjoyed by 1850s villagers.