March 19, 2024

2016 John Wayne birthday celebration

WINTERSET — While California lawmakers recently took a pass on designating May 26 as John Wayne Day, Iowans have have embraced their native son for decades. And no place more so than in his birthplace town of Winterset in historic Madison County.

Celebrating the iconic film star’s birthday as well as the first anniversary of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, the community is pulling out all the stops on May 27 and 28 for a blowout that promises to exceed all past annual John Wayne Birthday Celebrations.

Drawing fans from literally around the world, this year’s event will include an all-horse street parade featuring mounted drill teams, saddle clubs, wagons and carriages and even the Wells Fargo stagecoach.

The weekend will kick off with an old fashioned barn dance at the Madison County Fairgrounds, and will include a 5-K run/walk, breakfast at the firehouse, mounted equestrian drill team performances, benefit dinner and auction and outdoor screening celebrating the 60th anniversary of “The Searchers” starring John Wayne.

Fans of the John Wayne/Maureen O’Hara film classic “The Quiet Man” can attend the dedication of the iconic Irish jaunting car (or sidecar) which appeared throughout the 1952 Academy Award-winning motion picture.

On display at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, this artifact was made available through the generosity of the late actress’s grandson, Conor FitzSimons.

“After visiting the birthplace of her life-long friend and co-star in 2013, my grandmother determined that this would be the ideal facility to exhibit this prized relic from her favorite film of all time,” FitzSimons said.

Another cherished family heirloom on display is O’Hara’s Connemara shawl, which appeared countless times throughout “The Quiet Man” and was kept in her home for many years after.

For more information visit www.johnwaynebirthplace.museum