[August 13, 2013]DELAVAN -- "Thank a Farmer" will
be the theme for this year's Delavan Fall Festival, scheduled for
Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Festival board members have chosen this theme in
recognition of the strong and supportive agricultural community of
Delavan.
With the many trials and adversities a farmer deals with and goes
through, just to put food on our tables, the board felt it is time
farmers are recognized. Currently, the wet weather as well as the
extremely dry conditions of last summer come to mind as some of the
obstacles in the farming industry.
Grand marshals named
With the theme "Thank a Farmer," the board of directors has named
"Every Delavan Farmer" as grand marshals for the 2013 Delavan Fall
Festival.
This honor is bestowed upon a member
or members of the community each year in recognition of their
dedication of time and talent for the good of the community. The
remarks below were taken directly from some of the letters received
by the board and are the basis for the selection.
Some of these
family farms have been in the family for many generations. My
father has lived in that farmhouse for 91 years.
Nearly every
family in the community has been involved with farming in one
way or another.
A huge influence by the Future Farmers
of America created a love for the many different fields of
agriculture and his involvement in the farming community.
These farmers and agricultural leaders will be recognized and
honored at the Delavan Fall Festival during the Labor Day weekend
and will be seen riding in the festival parade on Sept. 2. They will
also be seen around the park throughout the weekend, participating
in various activities and continuing to serve the Delavan community.
So, when you see a farmer, remember to "Thank a Farmer."
Website updated
The website for the Delavan Fall Festival has been "under
construction," as they say in Web lingo. Entry forms are being
updated and other items are being added daily. For all the latest
news regarding this year's festival, keep watching
www.delavanfallfestival.com.
Donations and sponsorships are now being accepted to support the
festival. The annual event operates on a budget of approximately
$30,000. Donations from many individuals, businesses and
organizations are what make the festival possible.
If you want your donation earmarked for a particular event, you
may designate it in the memo part of your check. If no designation
is given, money will go toward the general operations fund for the
festival.
The fall festival is successful each year because of the
continued support of businesses and individuals in the community.
Donations and sponsorships may be mailed to: Delavan Fall
Festival, P.O. Box 473, Delavan, IL 61734.
Booth space available
Applications are now available for vendor booth spaces, craft
sales, game activities, food booths and flea market items. All
groups, organizations and individuals are welcome. The festival
board encourages new exhibitors to get involved, and there is still
plenty of room to do so.
Exhibitors may set up on Friday afternoon or evening, Aug. 30,
and tear down on Monday evening, Sept. 2.
If interested, contact Doris Higdon at 309-244-8894. For further
information, you may also write to Delavan Fall Festival, P.O. Box
473, Delavan, IL 61734; or email
dorisah@mtco.com.
[Text from information received from
Doris Higdon]
With the many trials and adversities a farmer deals with and goes
through, just to put food on our tables, the board felt it is time
farmers are recognized. Currently, the wet weather as well as the
extremely dry conditions of last summer come to mind as some of the
obstacles in the farming industry.
