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It's time for the Grand Excursion 2004!
Mississippi Queen can't make it to PdC, but everything else on as planned 
With organizers keeping a wary eye on the Mississippi River, plans for Grand Excursion 2004 are all in place. Unfortunately, the Mississippi Queen will not be stopping in Prairie du Chien as planned due to high water downstream. The Mississippi Queen will join the flotilla around July 1 in Wabasha. Grand Excursion 2004 at this time does not anticipate any other changes to the schedule, but will continue to closely monitor river levels and conditions. Excursion boats have begun their journeys to the Quad Cities. The Spirit of Peoria left her home harbor as scheduled on Saturday to begin her trip downriver. The Julia Belle Swain left La Crosse and the Harriet Bishop and the Anson Northrup have left St. Paul. The boats will arrive in the Quad Cities later this week and meet up with the fifth excursion boat, the Celebration Belle, whose home port is Moline, Ill. The Milwaukee 162 has left its depot and is on schedule to arrive in Chicago to begin its epic journey. Grand Excursion 2004 The Grand Excursion 2004 celebrates the renaissance of the upper Mississippi River region, by recreating the 1854 train and steamboat expedition that brought worldwide attention to what was then America's western frontier. The original Grand Excursion of 1854 celebrated America's first railroad connection to the Mississippi River. This event hosted more than 1200 dignitaries, politicians, journalists, business leaders and artists on a journey that began on rail from Chicago to Rock Island, Ill., then by steamboat up river from Rock Island to Saint Paul, Minn. and Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, with several stops in riverfront communities along the way. Grand Excursion 2004 will retrace this historic adventure. Participants in Grand Excursion 2004 will have hundreds of opportunities to participate in special events, festivals, parades and programs showcasing riverfront improvements, pathways and tourist attractions in the participating communities in this four-state initiative (Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota). Opening Ceremony Excitement, enthusiasm and interest build, as days of the Grand Excursion 2004 celebration draw near. A Grand Excursion Opening Ceremony is planned to "launch" the week-plus of activities in the Prairie du Chien area June 25 - July 4. The Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 25, at 6 p.m. on the riverfront in Lawler Park, St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien. The first gazebo on Water St. will house the speakers and entertainment with the audience gathering on lawn chairs to enjoy the opening activities and beautiful Mississippi River view. The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to join in the beginning of Grand Excursion activities in the area. The Opening Ceremony program includes welcome and introductory remarks from Prairie du Chien Mayor Cheryl Mader, followed by words from Secretary Jim Holperin and Marketing Services Director, Sarah Klavas, both from the Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism, Madison. Ray Childs, a former riverboat pilot, will recite the "Ode to Prairie du Chien," which he wrote and the National Brass Band from National, Iowa, will perform - sponsored by the Committee for the Performing Arts. The Mississippi Blackhawks Water Ski Team will entertain the audience with their Friday evening ski show. The Crawford County Board of Supervisors, Prairie du Chien City Council, Prairie du Chien School Board of Education, Prairie du Chien Chamber Ambassadors and others have been invited to attend. To learn more about the Grand Excursion contact the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce at 326-8555. More event information and schedules appear inside today's Courier Press.

A Celebration So Big, It Takes One River And Four States To Hold It

Ft Crawford Museum Events
Nearly two years ago, the Fort Crawford Museum began planning its part for the Grand Excursion for 2004. They wanted a program that: Showcased Prairie du Chien's historic connection to the Mississippi River; would be new material presented in an interesting and exciting way; should be unique to anything else presented by any other community along the Excursion route; and would demonstrate the progress of the Fort Crawford Museum since it began operation in 1996 by the nonprofit Prairie du Chien Historical Society. The Museum committee thinks they have achieved all of their objectives. Fred Huebsch, program chairman, has this to say: "We think we have a blockbuster program! One that will satisfy both history buffs and those who like interesting, lively entertainment.'' First of all, the Museum will be conducting guided tours on Tuesday, June 29 and Wednesday, June 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Normally, all tours are self-guided. Having guides will add new dimensions to the many exhibits housed at Fort Crawford. Second, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, there will be a very special program at the Museum that will consist of history and music. The eminent historian, lecturer and author Reginald Horsman, Professor Emeritus UW-Milwaukee, will present a talk about Marquette and Joliet and their epic voyage down the Wisconsin River to reach the mighty Mississippi River in 1673. Professor Horsman is a dynamic speaker who will bring this famous journey to life. It was thought this topic would be especially appropriate since the theme of the Grand Excursion 2004 centers around the Mississippi, and because Marquette and Joliet first entered the Mississippi just south of Prairie du Chien. Their chronicling this had a large influence in the westward expansion of America and, of course, the river valley. Marquette and Joliet were a very important part of early American history as evidenced by scores of streets, cities, universities and other things named after them. A statue of Marquette is in Statuary Hall, inside the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Immediately following this talk, there will be a short, lively concert of river music, performed by the virtuoso banjo player Paul Erickson and the "Paddle Wheel Six.'' A large part of the charm and lore of the river is music. And what greater instrument could personify river music than the banjo? The Paddle Wheel Six consists of three banjos, a tuba, a trumpet, and a trombone. This sextet has tremendous credentials. "I guarantee you will like this fun group, and there is no reason a museum program had to be stuffy and boring. This whole program will be anything but boring,'' Huebsch says. Gifted singer Robert Smith will sing "The Star Spangled Banner'' and a super rendition of "Ol' Man River.'' Third, The Paddle Wheel Six will move to the riverfront after the Museum program to stroll the park and serenade the crowd. Also, the Fort Crawford will have the "Bier Garten'' to serve your favorite beverages and steamboat pork sandwiches as a fundraiser. Nothing beats the taste of food and drink by the river. The Museum program on Tuesday will be free of charge. A free will offering would be appreciated. The Bridgeport Inn is cosponsoring Professor Reginald Horsman. Great Country Motors and Chevrolet are sponsoring The Paddle Wheel Six and Robert Smith.Horsman is no stranger to Prairie du Chien. This is his third appearance here. He once said, "Coming to Prairie du Chien is like coming to Mecca. This is where history actually happened.''

McGregor and Marquette Events
Friday, June 25 Opening Ceremonies 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. "Mystery of the Mounds'' Hike 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. - American Indian Heritage Celebration Effigy Mounds National Monument - Marquette, Iowa. Saturday, June 26 8:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. - "Sacred Sites'' Symposium, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Marquette, Iowa. Monday, June 28 5 - 9 p.m. - Spook Cave Guide Tour and Bonfire Spook Cave Campground, McGregor, Iowa. Tuesday, June 29 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Marquette Depot Museum and Information Center, Historical Pictorials and Information. 10 a.m. - American Legion Food Stand, City Park, Marquette. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Eagles Landing Bed, Breakfast and Winery, Wine Tasting Festival, Marquette. 10 a.m. 2 and 7 p.m. Pikes Peak State Park Presentations - Historical Presentation of Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Historical Walking tour, McGregor. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Old Time Photography, Souvenir Portraits, Triangle Park, McGregor. 1 p.m. - McGregor arrival, Flotilla, Delta Queen. 1 - 5 p.m. "Old Man River Band'' and Fiddle Contest, Triangle Park, McGregor. 2 - 4 p.m. Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer contest and Fashion Show, Triangle Park, McGregor. 4 - 7 p.m. - Fine Art Exhibit and Show by J. Accola & Musical Group "Mississippi River Blues Band'' McGregor Riverfront Park, McGregor. 4 p.m. - Old Time Bank Robbery, Central State Bank, McGregor. 5 p.m. - Marquette Arrival, Flotilla Celebration Belle. 5 - 8 p.m. - "The Hallbergs'' Musical Group, Marquette Riverfront, Marquette. All day, with overnight encampments - Historical Recreations by First US Dragoons Iowa Detachment and Third Iowa Light Artillery in McGregor and Marquette. Sunday, July 4 1 - 4 p.m. - Bovine Bingo Fundraiser, downtown McGregor. Pie eating contest/dunk tank/food/beer and fun for all ages!

Prairie du Chien events for GE04
Events held on riverfront (St. Feriole Island) unless noted; Events subject to change, 1-800-732-1673, www.prairieduchien. org. Friday, June 25 Starting at 10 a.m. - Tours at Villa Louis, Fort Crawford Museum 6 p.m. - Grand Excursion Opening Ceremony; National Brass Band performance. 7 p.m. - Mississippi Blackhawks Water Ski Show; Big River Long Rifles encampment. Saturday and Sunday, June 26 & 27 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Tours at Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Antique Tractor display, Commerce Court Mall; Quilt Display, Commerce Court Mall; Big River Long Rifles encampment; Big River Scenic Trail Ride, LaRiviere Park. Monday, June 28 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Tours at Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum On going events - Quilt display - Commerce Court Mall; Big River Long Rifles encampment. Tuesday, June 29 - Flotilla Arrives 9 a.m. - evening: Shuttle service available 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tours at Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum; Airplane rides, Prairie du Chien airport Mid morning - Mississippi Explorer River Cruises Afternoon arrivals - Julia Belle Swain and Anson Northrup arrive in Prairie du Chien. 2 p.m. - Historic lecture on Marquette and Jolliet, held at Fort Crawford Museum. Following lecture "Paddle Wheel 6" concert, held at Fort Crawford Museum. Following concert "Paddle Wheel 6" moves to riverfront. 1 - 4 p.m. - Pony rides, melodrama at 1, 2, 3, p.m. All day: Quilt Display and Ice Cream Social at Commerce Court Mall, Big River Long Rifles encampment, Helicopter Rides, Antique "vintage" boat parade. Evening - Coauthor Kenny Salway - River Rat Stories; Musical performance. Evening - Dinner Cruises - Julia Belle Swain. Dusk - Hot Air Balloons lift off (weather/wind permitting); Glow Ceremony of hot air balloons. Wednesday, June 30 Dawn - Hot Air Balloons lift off (weather/wind permitting) 9 a.m. - Shuttle service available morning. - Airplane Rides, Prairie du Chien Airport. mid morning - Mississippi Explorer River Cruises. 1 - 4 p.m. - Pony rides, melodrama at 1, 2, 3, p.m. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Tours at Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum; Quilt Display, Commerce Court Mall; Big River Long Rifles encampment; Helicopter Rides. Thursday, July 1 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Tours at Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum; Quilt Display - Commerce Court Mall. Friday, July 2 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Villa Louis Tours; Fort Crawford Museum Tours 7 p.m. - Mississippi Blackhawks Water Ski Show. Evening - The Hallberg's (country western music). Saturday, July 3 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Villa Louis Tours; Fort Crawford Museum Tours. Sunday, July 4 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Villa Louis Tours; Fort Crawford Museum Tours. 4 p.m. - Honors event and raffle drawing. Grand Excursion Shuttle Service A shuttle service will be available on June 29 & 30. Buses and vans from Southwest Bus Service, the Opportunity Center, and Black Coyote Lines will provide rides (free of charge) through a grant from the Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation received by Ports of Discovery. Donation containers will be provided on each shuttle service vehicle with contributions going to Ports of Discovery, a nonprofit organization, working to promote the region. Services will be available on a first-come-first-served basis to assist with movement of people from designated parking areas to Grand Excursion activities, events, and attractions in the Ports of Discovery region consisting of Crawford County, WI and Clayton County, IA. Communities served by the shuttle service include Prairie du Chien and Ferryville in Wisconsin plus Marquette, McGregor, and Guttenberg in Iowa. A shuttle will travel to Ferryville and Guttenberg morning, midday, and evening. Other shuttle loops are listed below. Tri-City Loop St. Feriole Island WI Travel Info Center Marquette Depot/Info Center Marina/Marquette City Park Isle of Capri McGregor Riverfront Park McGregor Triangle Park/Silver Dollar Saloon

Recent Seneca High School graduate working as tobacco coalition coordinator 
Ever wonder what is done with the tobacco settlement money received by the state? Mark Dingbaum knows. He was recently hired as the tobacco coalition coordinator for Crawford County, a position funded through the settlement money. Working through Crawford County Public Health and located in the C.A.R.E. Office (Crawford Abuse Resistance Effort), Dingbaum supports all tobacco prevention efforts in the county, including C.A.R.E.'s youth programs, the education and efforts of BreatheFree PdC, area school programs and he is available to speak to any youth organization in the area. "It was a very smooth transition," says Mary Sprosty of C.A.R.E. "Mark already knew so many of the people involved." Dingbaum, who just graduated from Seneca High School, is likely the only teen to have been a youth volunteer with a prevention coalition who moved directly into a full-time, albeit temporary, adult position. He brings with him plenty of prevention work experience: S.H.A.R.E. Youth Leadership member and advisor, Seneca Teens Against Tobacco Use member and advisor, state qualifier and creator of the Seneca School of Promise Initiative, Crawford County Youth Leadership Committee member, chair of the Statewide Youth Leadership Council, participant in the CARE Youth Leadership Conference, Alliance for Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council co-chair, FACT (Fighting Against Corporate Tobacco) of Wisconsin, Crawford County's Promise creator and implementer, Crawford County's Promise station editor and he was a National Search Institute Healthy Communities - Healthy Youth Conference participant. "I'm not for certain that is the career path I want to take," says Dingbaum, who will be attending college full time in the fall. "So this is the perfect opportunity for me." He admits that the prevention activities going on behind the scene in Crawford County are a lot more work than he realized. "It's more than just setting up the event. It's getting youth involved, coordinating dates, writing grants..." Events he is working on this summer include a possible youth rally, being present at community events (such as the Relay for Life, parades and the Crawford County Fair), and tobacco compliance checks. Anyone interested in learning more about the Tobacco Coalition Coordinator position or to arrange for Dingbaum to speak to a group, can call the C.A.R.E. office at (608)326-0909.