Minneesota bison Cody was a celebrity guest at the event. - FWS photo

Participants view an exhibit in the Bison Bonanza Room. - FWS photo

A couple young event participants smile beside Cody the Bison. - FWS photo

More event participants enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. - FWS photo

The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, and the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, celebrated the 12^th annual Return to the Prairie Day, August 19. A “Celebration of Bison” was this year's theme, with more than 700 visitors attending the event.

“This year’s theme was a natural fit for Return to the  Prairie Day” said Dr. Rud Wasson, President of the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. “The goal was to educate the public about bison, and the Bison Bonanza room. And, of course, having a live bison on site was a huge hit.”

The day included a bison chip toss, horse drawn wagon rides, "olde tyme" photos, Victorian Secrets (a historical presentation about ladies wear in victorian times), displays from several local bison ranchers, and a "taste of the prairie" meal of bison stew and chile.

Minnesota celebrity bison “Cody” stopped by to spend the day eating (invading cottonwoods and prairie sage seemed to be favorites) and educating the public about bison. Cody is owned by Mike Fogel of Money Creek Buffalo Ranch, and was the star of the show.

The Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center raised more than $5,000 in support of the event, from local businesses, individuals.

More than 25 volunteers helped make the day a great success.