Pioneer Day History
In 2005, Mr. Harold McLeod suggested that the DeSoto County Historical Society have a “Pioneer Day” festival, and the Society held the first one on April 12 that year at the Tree of Knowledge Park. Under the leadership of President Jerald Newberry and Secretary Raynelle Newberry, the event featured demonstrations of old-time skills and crafts, musical entertainment and storytelling, Florida authors, historical displays, and a raffle. In 2007, it was moved to a larger venue–McSwain Park, across Oak Street from the DeSoto County Courthouse. It then outgrew that site and moved to Veteran’s Park on State Road 70 in 2010.
In 2008, a caricature drawn by Luke Wilson of James Mitchell “Acrefoot” Johnson, a DeSoto County legend, became Pioneer Day’s official logo. At 6‘7” and 250 lbs., Johnson delivered the mail between Fort Ogden and Fort Meade by walking the 60-mile route in one day–twice a week. Tales about him abound–some fact and some fiction.
In 2010, team of emergency service personnel competed in a Barbecued Rib Cook-off, and although the Society has dispensed with the cook-off, the BBQ remains an integral part of the festival. Special and traditional Florida foods–such as the Arcadia Woman’s Club’s strawberry shortcake plus homemade jams jellies, and desserts—are available.
From 2010 to 2014, Pioneer Day was an official Florida Heritage Month event/ Since 2019, Pioneer Day has been the featured event of the John Morgan Ingraham House Museum for the Florida Department of State’s “March of Museums” (marchofmuseums.com).
Pioneer Day offers family fun of all kinds. A “Discover History” hands-on area is FREE and includes old-fashioned toys and games, cane pole fishing, washing clothes with a scrub board and wash pot, a pitcher pump, writing with a dip pen, orange juicing, and much more. Demonstrators also show off their skills in basket-weaving, blacksmithing, butter-churning, candle-dipping, quilting, soap-making, spinning, woodworking, and other crafts.
Clubs, churches, and other organizations display their history. Musicians—including singer-songwriters—entertain, along with legendary characters Arcadia Albritton Coker and James Mitchell “Acrefoot” Johnson. Animals, a classic fire truck, Florida authors and artists–all showcase Florida’s unique heritage and history.
Twenty years of Pioneer Day
This was our twentieth Pioneer Day, which means that the children who attended those first years are now likely parents with their own children. The smiles on the children’s faces and the memories in their heads are the reason we keep doing this.
The DeSoto County Historical Society’s 21st Annual Pioneer Day and BBQ on March 29, 2025, was a tremendous success! Entertainment, food—including the Arcadia Garden Club’s signature strawberry shortcake—and a place to eat, hands-on activities for everyone, and an amazing assortment of vendors enjoyed the air-conditioned comfort of the Turner Agri-Civic Center.
Outside was BBQ, tamales, kettle corn and other tasty treats plus more hands-on activities—including a fossil dig, more vendors and—of course—the Arcadia American Legion-sponsored Antique Tractor and Hit & Miss Engine Show plus the Antique and Hotrod Car Show with the Punta Gorda Isles and Peace River Car Clubs. The weather was perfect, and everyone said what a great day it was. Mark your calendar for Pioneer Day on March 28, 2026!
2026 Pioneer Day Vendor and Sponsor Forms
We’re still accepting Pioneer Day sponsorships, and we welcome you or your business or your organization to sponsor our 22nd Annual Pioneer Day & BBQ! Please tell them how much we appreciate their support and assistance in preserving and promoting the history of DeSoto County, Florida, for future generations.
Title Sponsor: $5,000
Florida Power & Light Company
Bronze Sponsor: $500
The Pink Building
Event Sponsors: $250
Adrian and Jane Cline
Ames Agricultural Services
Arcadia Rotary Club
Arcadia Stockyard
Big T Tire
Crews Bank & Trust, Member FDIC
Jim and Michelle Potter
Mid-Florida Credit Union
People For Protecting Peace River (3PR)
Sons of Confederate Veterans 2181 Cow Cavalry
Entertainment Sponsor: $100
Arcadia Abstract & Title
Arcadia Kiwanis Club
René Collins
Ruth Reynolds Dunn
E and I Family Trust
Fender’s Auto Parts
Florida Farmhouse Coffee
Judy Wertz-Strickland
Robert W. Heine, Jr.
Linda and Vernon Keen
Cindy and Keith Keene
Peace River Campground
Paul Bennett Seusy
Recovery Solutions – Florida Civil Commitment Center
Reesort-Homestay by Allen Reesor
Luis Velasco
Judy Wertz-Strickland
Pioneer Friends of the Society: $50.00
Arlene Conley
Cindy McLeod Ely
Parker Hall
Susan Kuczenska
Karen Smoke
Friends of the Society: $25
Dee’s Bees by Dee Washington
In Kind Donations
Arcadia Computer
Arcadia Printing
Arcadia Rodeo
DeSoto Sign Co.
Easy Mini Storage/U-Haul
Joshua Citrus
JSC Roofing
Kinard’s Tree Service
Peace River Shopper