Once again there will be decorating contests highlighting the day. A residential Fall/Halloween Outside Decorating Contest is being held, and homeowners in town are encouraged this week to decorate for the season. Call the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce to get your home judged. The second contest is a scarecrow decorating contest, with many participating businesses throughout Harlan decorating scarecrows in front of their businesses.
New this year will be Greenridge Sorghum Tasting and More; Gary Weldon Puppet Show at 2 p.m. downtown; and cookie decorating from 2-4:30 p.m., or until the cookies are gone.
Sponsored by Harlan businesses Iowa Telecom, Shelby County Chamber, Harlan Newspapers, KNOD Radio, Harlan Flower Shop and Gifts, FMCTC, CDS Global, HMU Cable, Harlan Theatre, Harlan HyVee, Mickel's Family Restaurant, Harlan Kiwanis and Pamida, as well as Main Street Market of Panama, the festival has grown even more this year to include additional activities and specials by Harlan retailers gearing up for the holiday season.
Lori Christensen, Harlan Newspapers representative and co-developer of the event, said everyone is invited to turn out on the downtown square.
"It's time for the annual HarvestFest in Harlan and I can't believe it's the eighth-annual," said Christensen. "Each year the festival has grown and the sponsors and committee members appreciate the support. Events take place rain, snow or shine, so we'll see you all Saturday."
Dawn Cundiff, Shelby County Chamber Director, added, "I think it's important to support Harlan and local retailers by having events like the HarvestFest. Harlan is a great place to raise a family, and we hope families turn out for the event and do a little shopping as well. It's really a fun family event, and it's growing."
Christensen said, "As always, there's something for everyone."
Highlighting the day will be the HarvestFest parade, beginning at 4:45 p.m., although there are events scheduled throughout the day. The parade will travel through downtown Harlan and hopefully will feature everything from floats and people in costume to fire departments, antique tractors and machinery and classic cars.
The Grinch is this year's parade marshall, as the theme for the 2009 HarvestFest is The Grinch Stole Halloween.
Among the other events during the day are:
n Pumpkin carving/painting contest. Individuals, families and organizations can check in their pumpkins for judging at the Harlan Flower Shop and Gifts from 8 a.m.-12:45 p.m., and from 1-2:30 p.m. on the south side of the courthouse square.
n "Monsters vs. Aliens" will be shown at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., a $1 movie at the Harlan Theater.
n Harlan businesses will welcome trick-or-treaters from 3:15-4:15 p.m. only (no early trick or treaters). Iowa Telecom will have a costume contest on the west side of the courthouse during the same time.
n Free kids' games will be offered on the downtown square from 2-4:30 p.m., sponsored by Harlan Kiwanis and Builders Club
n Scary story time will be held at the library: 3-4 p.m. for all ages.
n Free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be offered downtown from 3-4:30 p.m., sponsored by Farmers Mutual Cooperative Telephone Company.
n A pre-HarvestFest medallion hunt sponsored by HMU is being held Oct. 19-23. Details are available on HMU Cable Channel 12 or in the Harlan Newspapers.
In addition, those dressed in costume can have their pictures taken at 1111 Baldwin St., the Paul Schmidt residence, from 2-7 p.m. on the decorated lawn. Donations will be provided to Forever Homes Animal Rescue, with matching funds from the Shelby County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Officials also are encouraging everyone to drive around Harlan to look at the scarecrows and Halloween/Fall decorations.
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