Mount Pulaski's "Wizard of Oz" Fall Festival starts with dark storm, ends beautifully

[September 10, 2014]  MOUNT PULASKI - The 2014 Mount Pulaski Fall Festival kicked off Friday night with "The Wizard of Oz" theme which featured its own threatening thunderstorm on the hilltop. Due to the dark clouds moving in and severe weather alerts throughout the area, organizers found themselves being forced to move some events inside while food vendors outside were forced to close up for the evening.

As the rain moved through, the crowd that had assembled on the square was fortunate enough to gather at the Family Life Center of the Christian Church. The Family Life Center, complete with a beautiful stage and sound system, served as the perfect location for the Cutest Little Farmer, Little Miss Mount Pulaski and Junior Miss Mount Pulaski contests.

As always the kids of this community really know how to entertain a crowd with their smiles and ever-so-bubbly personalities. These little ones are often a tough act to follow.

Up for that challenge this year was a group of rambunctious teachers from Mount Pulaski Grade School and the always-entertaining Fred Lipp families. These two competed against each other in the Family Feud portion of the evening. Mount Pulaski Grade School teacher Rob Siebert hosted the game show and surprisingly he showed no partiality towards his co-workers.

The evening wrapped-up at the Family Life Center rather early as the rain continued outside and it was evident the crowd was thinking "there's no place like home" and called it a night early.

Saturday night activities at the fall festival included the Logan County Fraternal Order of the Police fish fry, a carnival, food vendors, face painting, a hypnotist and local band, Haircut Actual, taking the stage to conclude the evening. Over at the Jaycees Beer Tent the band Fireside Relics entertained the crowd.

Fortunately the weather was perfect for Saturday's activities and even a bit cool by the late evening hours.

Another successful fall festival is in the books for Mount Pulaski, and thanks to all the organizers who worked so hard to make it a success.

[By TEENA LOWERY]