Haigler, NE……Remember the movie ‘Field of Dreams?’ “If you build it, they will come.” Well, come they did to the 1st Spring Festival Extraordinaire held Saturday, May 2, at the Cornerstone Center for Community Service in Haigler. Billed as Dundy Roo—the Best Darn Art, Craft, Wine & Brew Festival; a large crowd of hundreds from the tri-state area and beyond followed the highway signs and came through the front door of the Center to view and purchase art, photography, and craft displays. Vehicles lined the streets, a Nebraska State Patrol followed turning cars off Highway 34 to see what was going on, and even a group of college students from Boston, Massachusetts detoured to Haigler from Highway 36 enroute to Denver—after hearing the radio advertising. NTV Kearney came to Haigler to do coverage on the festival, as well as a special on the Cornerstone Center (former Haigler Elementary School, now owned by the Haigler Community Foundation). Organizers of the event said, “it pays to advertise; we worked with all media contacts.”
Festival attendees were welcomed by llamas and alpacas from River Valley Alpacas as they walked up the sidewalk. Inside, they were almost overwhelmed with all the activities. A total of 40 artists and photographers (from our local tri-state area plus Greeley, CO and Weatherford, Texas) exhibited their work in the building suites, library/conference area, and hallways. The Sunshine Thrift offered 50% off everything in the store, and was busy with shoppers. The mini-mall offered specials on all merchandise, and the gymnasium hosted displays of 30 crafters, health, beauty & home products. And, ‘under the canopies’ were tastings of wine from Sage Hill Vineyard and Winery of Parks and micro brews from Loop Brewing Co. of McCook. Though an unusually warm day of 85 degrees; the festive atmosphere, cold drinks, an array of delicious snack foods, and some fans kept everyone in good spirits.
Throughout the festival, live and recorded music would be paused to listen to local auctioneer, Glenn Mahon, auction donated art and craft items or draw for the many door prizes given away. Attendees were invited to cast their vote for ‘People’s Choice Award’ on the original art. Winner of this Award was Ron Evans, artist with the McCook Art Guild.
May is always a very busy time of the year so a big THANK YOU to all who participated and attended this 1st Dundy Roo—Art, Craft, Wine & Brew Festival. You all helped to make the festival a big success!
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