HAIGLER TUMBLEWEED FESTIVAL SHINES

 

   Haigler hosted their 6^th annual Fall Tumbleweed Festival on Saturday, October 19.  Festival organizers had billed the event as “Rain or Shine—It’s Tumbleweed Festival Time.”  With snow the day before and cold wind the day after; the Festival Day had plenty of sunshine, warmer temps, and was an absolutely beautiful autumn day.  How lucky can you get?  Over 250 people throughout the tri-state region of Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado attended the festival activities.

Tumbleweed banners on both sides of town, flag lined streets, balloons, and colorful décor welcomed all driving U.S. 34 (the Golden Rod Hi-Way) to the event. 

     Village garage sale sites and the auction held at the Haigler Elementary School filled the morning hours.  Lunch was served under the tents on the museum grounds.  Everyone enjoyed pulled pork barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, chips, and drinks.  Homemade pies and ice cream were served at the Golden Inn Senior Center.  Ladies from the community had baked 30 pies for the occasion.  They were all gone by the end of the day.

     Music was provided throughout the afternoon by the Garage Bunch Band of Burlington, Colorado.  Afternoon activities included open house at the Haigler Country Schoolhouse and Cornerstone Museums and Haigler Elementary School, treasure hunts, maypole merry-go-round rides, pumpkin decorating, and a spook parade for kids of all ages. 

     This was the second year for the Art Show Exhibits, and the response from area artists and festival goers was terrific.  Pottery, quilts, and crafts were new additions.  All items were displayed in both museums and the Senior Center. 

     The annual Tumbleweed Contest had a record 14 entries of very creative tumbleweed decorating.  It was great fun, and entries were displayed along a fence on the museum grounds.  Though every entry was a winner, the first 3 prizes went to Nancy Freehling, Tecker Family, and Chris MacAfoos.

     Haigler’s Annuall Fall Tumbleweed Festival is a major fundraiser for the Haigler Museum projects.  Local coordinator, LaNeta Carlock, said “This all happens because people in our communities have been so good in their support of both financial and artifact donations.  This year, generous free-will donations from attendees and business donations, contributed almost $2,500.  In addition, there were 63 businesses and individuals from our tri-state area that contributed gifts and gift certificates for door prizes—totaling almost $2,000.”  Carlock also noted “with everyone working together, our small communities will survive and thrive.”

     This year’s Maypole Award, given in recognition of exemplary financial support and service to the Haigler Museums and community efforts, was awarded to the Albert and Bernice Hansen Charitable Foundation.  Board of Trustees members present to accept the award were Robert Roh of Omaha and Jamey Hansen of McCook.  Dr. Bill Palmer of Omaha was unable to attend.

     Plans are already underway for Festival 2014.  Volunteers, ideas, and suggestions are always welcome—with the hope that the Haigler Fall Tumbleweed Festival will continue for many years to come.

PICTURES of Festival

PICTURES of Art Exhibit 

PICTURES of Museum Tour