Carriage Classic will remain on St. Feriole Island

By Steve Van Kooten

The city of Prairie du Chien has stepped in to provide an area for the annual Carriage Classic after the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) and Villa Louis Historic Site ended a decades-long relationship with the event.

“This is undoubtedly highly disappointing after 43 years at the Villa Louis Historical Site,” Mike Rider, chairman of the Villa Louis Carriage Classic Committee (VLCC), wrote in a Jan. 23 news release.

Rider claims that the 2024 event generated approximately $15,000 in admission revenue for the WHS.

The WHS verbally informed the VLCC this past December and sent written confirmation on Jan. 10, according to Colleen Lies, assistant director of strategic communication for the WHS.

Lies said that the WHS notified the Carriage Classic of potential concerns regarding the preservation of known archaeological sites before the 2024 event.

She wrote that the decision was made by the WHS “with deep appreciation” for the Carriage Classic’s history and impact. “It was a difficult but necessary decision.”

Lies also noted that the Society’s decision affects all large-scale events that utilized heavy equipment, not just the Carriage Classic.

During this past year’s event, the State Historic Preservation Office was onsite to protect sensitive areas, monitor adherence to ground limitations, and evaluate the future impact events like the Carriage Classic could have on those sites, according to the WHS.

Kyle Gettelman, assistant show manager for the Carriage Classic, confirmed that WHS staff were present during this past year’s event.

Gettelman also said the Classic adjusted their setup to accommodate WHS’s concerns for certain areas containing historic materials, and the changes were approved by the State Historic Preservation Office. 

Lies said post-event evaluations confirmed the need to halt “large-scale, heavy-weighted events that make extensive use of the Villa Louis grounds.”

The evaluation concluded that these “heavy-weight” events using large equipment could “pose a significant threat to increasingly shallow archaeological sites located on the grounds,” according to Lies.

Archaeological findings in the area include burial mounds, human remains, battlefields and remnants of historic buildings and structures.

She added that recurring floods have impacted the soil on the island, and Society archaeologists conducted research of the grounds over the past year, including reviews of multiple ground-penetrating radar investigations. 

Archaeological surveys of areas with historical findings confirmed that at least some of these deposits are now just below the surface, according to the WHS.

Events that utilize heavy equipment and ground staking “have the potential to damage these shallow sites and culturally sensitive areas. As the state agency charged with the historic preservation of this national historic landmark, it is our duty to respond to new information and take measures to protect the grounds and buried heritage at the site,” Lies wrote.

Gettelman claims the WHS only identified areas of concern and never informed the VLCC what archaeological deposits were at risk due to the event’s activities.

According to Rider’s announcement, the VLCC experienced “consistent resistance and marginal communication from the Wisconsin Historical Society” when attempting to avoid ending the relationship between the organizations.

Gettelman also claimed the VLCC proposed a timeline for discussions with the WHS, including a deadline for a non-binding commitment to host the 2025 event, a meeting to address any concerns and another deadline for the organizations to finalize an agreement.

New beginning

The Carriage Classic will continue on St. Feriole Island without the collaboration with the historical society. This year’s event is expected to take place on property primarily owned by the city of Prairie du Chien, according to Rider, Mayor David Hemmer and City Administrator Chad Abram. 

Rider claimed the new venue will provide increased space and fewer restrictions.

Gettelman said the new site is east of the Villa Louis and wrote, “We’re optimistic about the future of the Carriage Classic and grateful for the continued support from our partners in Prairie du Chien.”