The Chamber of Commerce held Harvest Fest in downtown Redfield on Sat., Oct. 12. The event, held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featured music, vendors, food, and free activities (which were mostly for children). There were bouncy houses, a small petting zoo, barrel train rides, a face painting table, and a pumpkin painting area. At least 140 pumpkins were painted. South of 7th Ave., classic cars were lined up for people to wonder at.
The Barstool Prophets of Aberdeen were the featured entertainment. They offered their own blend of popular, lesser known, and original songs. They had a sound that sounded both rock and country. The bandmembers were: Ryan, lead vocals; Grant, rhythm guitar; Joel, lead guitar; Tim, drums; Justin, bass; and Aldous on the keyboard. An appreciative crowd sat and watching the sets. At the end of the show, Ryan said We had a good time. Audience members replied We did too!
New chamber director Kim Leonhardt said that shed had a lot of positive feedback. She stated that the event went very well, and noted that many people were involved in this. Leonhardt said On behalf of the Redfield Area Chamber of Commerce, we would like to thank all of the volunteers, organizations, businesses and vendors that helped to make Harvest Fest 2024 a huge success! We appreciate everyone who attended and enjoyed the festivities. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the fall season with neighbors and friends. We love to see all those smiling faces. It was genuinely heart-warming.
She said that it was later overheard that the event was like a Hallmark movie, meaning that it involved the community getting together in a wholesome way.
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A rough estimate was that 500 people came to the event. The crowd was constantly moving, so an exact number was difficult to name. This was the first Harvest Fest in Redfield in 8 years. The Chamber had hopes to make it a yearly event. A lot of planning went into the day. Pre-planning started back in July.
One vendor came all the way from Sisseton. A teenage vendor brought a car to the car show, and also had a vendor table. Among the items sold were benches made from tailgates. Many of the tables were decorated for fall. Per Leonhardt, some of the vendors were first-time sellers. The event brought out citizens of all ages. There was a relaxed atmosphere, save for the bouncy houses. Those were full of excitement. A few dogs attended the event with their families.
Leonhardt said It was a great way to celebrate. We enjoyed seeing activity and hustle on Main St. She added that events spur a thriving community. She said that it could be an opportunity to see people that maybe one normally doesnt take the time to sit and visit with. She said It brings a good feeling of relationships and connection with everyone.
Chamber Board members Carisa Giblin, Kim Leonhardt, Dana Lewis, Parish Mechling, and Jill Tomsha stayed busy. Several volunteers were involved throughout the day. They ranged from 5th graders to adults. Leonhardt said that more could have been used. For example, volunteers could have watched a vendors table while the vendor took a break to get some food or to paint a pumpkin. The next Chamber events will be the gun show on Nov. 2nd, and the Parade of Light on Dec. 7th.
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