Festival to feature multiple vendors
The Thayer County Historical Society and Museum 46th annual Fall Festival Sept. 29 should give visitors plenty to do with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War returning, historical craftmanship, like Berdon Petersen’s Broom-making, and Dutch oven cooking.
The American Legion Riders will begin the day with a flag raising at 9 a.m.
Lori Kuhlmann, who is charge of coordinating vendors said she tries to bring in a variety each year and the popular ones back. For example, a marble demonstration will return, along with pumpkins, but this year, it will be Mark Hintz at the location. The Baysingers and their pumpkins will not be at the festival this year.
“New this year is a spinning wool demonstrator,” Kuhlmann said.
Denise Roberts will be in the actual museum building with her spinning wheel, along with Janet Voss, who will show how quilting is done.
Curator Jackie Williamson said the festival is a major fundraiser for the museum.
“We try to keep the young people involved,” Kuhlmann said. She is on the board of directors for the museum and a member of the historical society.
She said several hit-and-miss engines, including Dwayne Elting’s from last year, will be near the barn, and a schoolmarm will wait for children inside the old country school on the museum grounds.
Kuhlmann said a small group of volunteers plan the majority of the festival from beginning to end every year, and it is a huge responsibility.
“I love it,” she said. “My time is my donation to the museum.”
She agrees the museum is a hidden Thayer County gem.
“So many people live in Thayer County and have never been,” Kuhlmann said.
The main volunteers are Jackie and Kent Williamson, Henry Laber, Bob Reinke, Duane and Linda Hume, Susie Wenske, Melissa Powers, Jay and Austin Buckles, Voss and Kuhlmann, plus the boy and girl scout troops.
Kuhlmann mentioned the Belvidere Volunteer Fire Department and the ever-popular car show with a trophy presentation will also be on the museum grounds.
