The Wolf Lake community gathers to celebrate a long-established tradition next weekend, as the Harvest Festival returns for its 30th year in a row.
The activities will span Friday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 18, showcasing a variety of events that will appeal to every age.
Andrea Yliniemi, chairman of the event, said that the festival traditionally falls around harvest time in the middle of August.
Because Wolf Lake is a farming community, she continued, the festival provides a chance for “farmers to take a break and hop off the tractors for a little while,” and for the community to gather and enjoy some time with friends and neighbors.
“We try to keep everything as low cost or free as possible,” Yliniemi said of the many events that will be open to the community.
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The festival kicks off on Friday with the Miss, Junior Miss, and Little Miss Pageant at 7 p.m. in the Lions Hall.
Boogie the night away with a free street dance in the Liquor Store parking lot, starting at 8:30 p.m. Friday, with music from DJ “Music Doctor.”
Saturday morning opens with a peek at some of Wolf Lake’s history. Take a step back in time to view an antique tractor show, beginning at 8 a.m. at Ray’s Repair. Also be sure to check out the flea market.
The WL Rescue 5K Walk/Run starts at 9 a.m. from Christ Lutheran Church. The cost to enter and receive a shirt is $10, and to enter without a shirt it’s $5.
The Lions will be hosting a freewill turkey and ham dinner in the Lions Hall from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
The Harvest Fest Parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
“The parade has always been my favorite,” Yliniemi noted. “It’s fun to see it all come together.”
Thirty minutes after the completion of the parade, the Mud Run will begin, with trucks and 4-wheelers gathering in the pit. Yliniemi describes the event as “loud and messy,” and added, “all the participants just have a really great time.”
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DJ “Music Doctor” will return for another night of great music and street dancing on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
All events on Sunday will be held at the Wolf Lake Waterfront Park, beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m. for the horseshoe tournament.
A variety of additional games and entertainment will begin at 12 p.m.
A raffle ticket and prize drawing will be held at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $1 each in Wolf Lake, Menahga, and Osage. It isn’t necessary to be present to win, and the grand prize is $500, with several smaller prizes going through 7th place.
Multiple food vendors will be available all three days of the festival, including the Ladies Auxiliary Lunch Wagon.
A Beer Garden, Bar, and Off Sale will be open all of Friday and Saturday.
For more information about the weekend and event contact information, visit wolflakeharvestfestival.com .
Libby Larson | DL Newspapers
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