For John and Monica Davis, of the Friendship Wagon Train, touring the beautiful countryside of southeastern Minnesota has been more than just a fun summer activity. Since 1985, the Davis family has been participating in wagon trains across the state. The Friendship Wagon Train started when John Davis became aware of a wagon train that was hosted by Camp Courage, a camp for children and adults with disabilities. Soon after becoming involved with the Camp Courage Wagon Train, John and Monica decided to start their own wagon train to raise money for additional organizations. John and Monica Davis are now celebrating their 38th year of the Friendship Wagon Train. The goal of each wagon train has always been to raise money to support organizations that serve individuals with disabilities. Throughout the years, they have raised thousands of dollars for multiple organizations, including Camp Courage, Camp Friendship, Camp Winnebago, and, most recently, the Minnesota Special Olympics.
The Friendship Wagon Train has become a family tradition. Not only are members of the Davis family involved, including their grandkids, but many individuals come back to travel with the Friendship Wagon Train year after year. Jollene Gundermann from Waseca is one of them. She greatly enjoys the wagon-train life and has been doing it since 1986. She loves reconnecting with the Friendship Wagon Train members and watching the children grow up from year to year. Gundermann says as long as she can still ride, she will continue to be involved in the wagon-train tradition.
In addition to local Minnesotans, many people from out of state come every year. This year, individuals came from Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Karen Gohn and her husband, Michael, travel from Tennessee each year. Karen loves the scenery she gets to see as she travels through the Minnesota countryside. She also greatly enjoys the people and says, “it gets to be like a family.” Tina and Curt Leis are also committed wagon train travelers. Tina says, “[the] first time we came, we knew we wanted to come a lot.” The commitment and camaraderie displayed by each of the members of the Friendship Wagon Train is another reason the organization is so special.
Monica Davis notes that people come to travel not only because they enjoy it, but also because the Friendship Wagon Train rides for a good cause. Monica says she is proud of the results that they see, raising between $25,000-$30,000 each year for the cause.
The Friendship Wagon Train takes a different route in southern Minnesota every summer. This means they can see new sites and connect with different communities in southern Minnesota. They work with local churches and community groups to help provide meals and other services along the trail. The Kenyon 4-H club helped to serve breakfast to the Friendship Wagon Train members when they stopped in Kenyon. Connecting with local individuals and businesses is another way the Friendship Wagon Train has made such an impact in the past 38 years.
When the Friendship Wagon Train came to Kenyon this year, they set up camp in the Plymold field. With all the trailers and horses and wagons parked neatly in the grassy field, it was quite a sight to see. Early Monday (June 22) morning, the Friendship Wagon Train was up and moving, sending the trailers and vehicles ahead to the next destination of Dodge Center. After breakfast, the rest of the company prepared to saddle up. As the horses and mules were saddled and hooked to the wagons, you could feel excitement in the air. A mule would bray, and a horse would answer back, starting a small chorus of livestock in response. At 8:15 am, the Friendship Wagon Train lined up and headed down the road towards Skyberg for lunch. They set off at a steady pace of 3 mph.
If you would like to donate to the Friendship Wagon Train and support the Minnesota Special Olympics, or if you are interested in joining the Friendship Wagon Train, contact John and Monica Davis at 507-365-8064 or Monica Davis at 507-696-1418. All donations are appreciated.
