Delavan Fall Festival will 'Thank a Farmer'

[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 now being accepted

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 [e-mail].