CRESTLINE – Ideal weather set the stage for the 41st Crestline Harvest Festival. Opening ceremonies went off without a hitch with the Royal Blue Express leading the Star Spangled Banner and the Crestline Alma Mater.
This year’s festival was dedicated to the memory of long-time festival organizer Jim Maddy. The rides, game and food vendors warmed up and the crowds were steady. Clayton Herold, organizer of the event, said every space set aside for vendors, businesses and rides was taken this year.
Local organizations and businesses set up at the festival including Precinct 13, Special Wish Foundation, Pioneer Career and Technology Center, Crestline, Lions, Heritage and the Red Cross.
Food stands were ready to go including Mo’s Gyros, HomeCare Matters funnel cakes and Big Blooming Onion.The festival’s variety of selections included pulled pork, nachos, shredded chicken, burritos, kettle corn, cotton candy, fried ice cream, corn dogs, sausage, steak, French fries, fried veggies, grilled bologna, shaved ice, fish sandwiches and wraps.
Games and rides included the carrousel, win-a-goldfish, bungee jump, wacky shack, Ferris wheel, airplane rides, pony rides and miniature roller coaster.
On Saturday, bands begin at 5 p.m. with Big 80’s followed by Krush at 8 p.m. The Beer Garden opens at 9 p.m. all nights of the festival.
Saturday holds a full schedule for festival-goers. Contests run until the afternoon: Pig tail/pony tail at 10 a.m., hula hoop at 10:30 a.m., Checker’s Pizza eating at 11 a.m., limbo at 11:30 a.m., Roosters wing eating at noon, water balloons at 12:30 p.m., seed spitting at 1 p.m., pumpkin decorating winners will be announced at 1:30 p.m. and an apple stacking contest wraps things up at 2 p.m.
The Faith and Fitness 5K begins at 8 a.m., the farmers market and craft show, and the festival’s car show starts at 9 a.m. The horticulture show begins again at noon and the Harvest Festival Parade steps off at 3:30 p.m.
