Villa Louis Carriage Classic, Inc.

07/27/2026

Prairie du Chien has long been a crossroads for transportation and innovation. This weekend, solar-powered cars raced through our community, showcasing the future of technology. In just 45 days, the Villa Louis Carriage Classic will celebrate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of horse-drawn transportation—reminding us that the past and the future can share the same road.

07/25/2026

🎉 The 2026 Villa Louis Carriage Classic online store is now open! Pre-order your favorite T-shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and more in a variety of colors and sizes at discounted pre-order pricing. Order by August 14 to guarantee your items—they'll be waiting for you to pick up at the show! A limited quantity of merchandise will also be available for purchase during the event.

https://vlcc.cms-4youshop.com/

07/17/2026

Sometimes it's the smallest gifts that make the biggest impact. ❤️

Today we received one of the most special donations of the year.

Five-year-old Greta Ferries recently lost a tooth, and after a visit from the Tooth Fairy, she decided to donate $1 of her hard-earned tooth fairy money to support the Villa Louis Carriage Classic.

As if that wasn't exciting enough, Greta also submitted her entry to compete at the Carriage Classic for the very first time! She'll be joining us in the Junior Division, and we can't wait to cheer her on.

Greta reminds us that supporting a community event isn't about the size of the gift—it's about believing in something you love and wanting to be part of it.

Whether it's a $1 donation, entering your first class, volunteering a few hours, becoming a sponsor, or simply joining us as a spectator, every person who gets involved helps keep this 45-year tradition rolling.

If a five-year-old can invest in the future of the Villa Louis Carriage Classic, maybe this is the year you can too.

We can't wait to welcome Greta—and we hope to welcome many more first-time competitors and supporters this September!

💙 Entries are open.
🤝 Donations of every size are appreciated.
🐴 See you September 11–13 in Prairie du Chien!

07/10/2026

📬 Keeping the "post" in the Postal Service! 🐴

Did you know the word "post" comes from the historic network of posting stations where fresh horses waited along the road so travelers and the mail could continue their journey more quickly? Long before trucks and airplanes, the postal system depended on horsepower!

Today, the Villa Louis Carriage Classic volunteers delivered another large mailing as we prepare for our 45th Annual Event—and we stocked up on Forever Stamps before Sunday's postage increase.

While Facebook, email, and our website help us spread the word, we still believe there's something special about finding an invitation or colorful postcard waiting in your mailbox. That's why we continue to use a variety of ways to connect with our competitors, spectators, sponsors, and friends.

We're also grateful to have a USPS nonprofit mailing permit, which allows us to send our larger mailings at discounted bulk postage rates. Those savings help us stretch every dollar and put more resources into making the Villa Louis Carriage Classic a memorable experience for everyone.

Whether you hear about us online or through the mail, we hope you'll join us in Prairie du Chien September 11–13, 2026, for the 45th Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic!

📮 Some traditions are simply worth delivering.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

As America celebrates another Fourth of July—and continues to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary—we're reminded that traditions like the Villa Louis Carriage Classic help preserve an important part of our shared heritage.

For 45 years, competitors, volunteers, patrons, and spectators have gathered in Prairie du Chien to celebrate the elegance, craftsmanship, and horsemanship woven into America's story for generations.

This Independence Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helps keep these traditions alive. We look forward to welcoming you September 11–13, 2026, for the 45th Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic on beautiful Saint Feriole Island.

Have a safe, joyful, and patriotic Fourth of July!

🇺🇸 Happy Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

06/22/2026

The 2026 Villa Louis Carriage Classic Prize List has been mailed and should be arriving in mailboxes soon!

The Prize List, entry forms, and additional information are also available on our website. We look forward to welcoming competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators to Prairie du Chien for the 45th Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic, September 11–13, 2026.

VLCC Homepage

06/19/2026

🏆 Official Spotlight: Eduardo Mira Cruz

The Villa Louis Carriage Classic is honored to welcome Eduardo Mira Cruz of Beringel, Portugal, as our International Guest Judge for the 45th Annual Carriage Classic.

A lifelong horseman and respected leader in the traditional driving community, Eduardo has dedicated decades to promoting and preserving the traditions of carriage driving in Portugal and throughout Europe. He has served as Vice-President for Traditional Carriage Driving with the Portuguese Driving Association and has judged major events in France, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Known for his knowledge of traditional turnout, presentation, and horsemanship, Eduardo brings an international perspective and a deep appreciation for the heritage of carriage driving to the judging ring.

Please join us in welcoming Eduardo Mira Cruz to Prairie du Chien this September! Bem-vindo a Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin — estamos ansiosos para recebê-lo!

📸 Photo credit: Fernando Curado Matos

06/18/2026

🏆 Official Spotlight: Terry Pickett

The Villa Louis Carriage Classic is pleased to welcome Terry Pickett of Frankfort, Michigan, once again as a judge for the 45th Annual Carriage Classic.

With more than fifty years in the horse-and-carriage industry, Terry is widely respected for his horsemanship, knowledge, and attention to detail. His distinguished career has included work at some of the nation's premier carriage and coaching stables, including the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and Grant's Farm in St. Louis.

Today, Terry remains active as a judge, clinician, appraiser, and instructor. Licensed by both the American Driving Society and the United States Equestrian Federation, he has officiated at pleasure driving, coaching, and traditional carriage events throughout North America.

Known as a stickler for the finer details of turnout and presentation, Terry brings a lifetime of experience to the judge's stand.

Please join us in welcoming Terry Pickett back to Prairie du Chien this September!

06/17/2026

🏆 Official Spotlight: Dr. James Thomas

The Villa Louis Carriage Classic is pleased to welcome Dr. James Thomas of Ocala, Florida, as our Technical Delegate for the 45th Annual Carriage Classic.

Dr. Thomas has been actively involved in carriage driving since the 1990s, competing successfully in both pleasure driving and combined driving events throughout the Midwest and beyond. A longtime supporter of the sport, he is licensed by the American Driving Society as both a Pleasure Driving and Combined Driving Technical Delegate and has officiated at events across the United States and Canada.

In addition to his officiating experience, Dr. Thomas currently serves on the ADS Board of Directors and as Chair of the ADS Rulebook Committee, helping guide the future of the sport. Following a distinguished 30-year military career as a United States Army officer and 14 years as an Army civilian, he continues to give back to the driving community as an official, course designer, and volunteer.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. James Thomas to Prairie du Chien this September!

Watch for additional Official Spotlights as we count down to the release of the 2026 Villa Louis Carriage Classic Prize List!