After having to cancel it last year, the local Business Improvement Association is planning to resurrect the “Harvest Festival” on Saturday, Sept. 27—and looking to get as many participants as possible.
“It’s in the planning stages right now,” said BIA co-ordinator Harlene Lowey. “It looks like we’re going to have a petting zoo, pie-eating contest, bobbing for apples, corn roast, a train ride for the kids, probably pony rides.
“But we’re still trying to get the square dancers, for instance, to come out,” she added.
“Really, any group or organization, or vendors that won’t conflict with the downtown businesses, are welcome to get involved,” Lowey noted, stressing volunteers and entertainment need to be lined up.
The event is expected to run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A rain date hasn’t been set as organizers are keeping their fingers crossed regarding weather.
Any merchants or service clubs wanting to get involved with the BIA’s “Harvest Festival” can call Lowey at 274-7502.
Two years ago, the 200 and 300 blocks of Scott Street were lined with haystacks on the Saturday as many merchants there took their wares to the sidewalks, decorated scarecrows in their windows, or offered games for kids.
But the event, which not only was brand new, also was competing with the fly-in barbecue at the airport, which drew a large crowd that otherwise might have ventured downtown on any other Saturday.
The inaugural event included sidewalk sales, a corn roast to raise funds for the Chamber of Commerce’s beautification committee, kids’ activities, and pony rides.
There also were dance performances, as well as a haystack dig for prizes and a buffet at the Rainy Lake Hotel.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
