drowning in post-it notes and over one hundred pictures later, eventually narrowing all those ideas down as different people, businesses and non-profits committed ~ Yankton’s first premier fall festival was born. Next we presented the concept for feasibility to the City, obtained insurance requirements, put together a budget, wrote several grant applications for funding (since we started with zero). We are so grateful for all the area business sponsorships and private support. This event truly is a community collaboration! It took an entire year to get to this point. Yankton Harvest Halloween is now a real deal ~ the downtown is gearing up for the Parade & Zombie Walk, the costume party planners have set the stage to “howl at the moon” along with The Lugnuts, the waffles will be hot and ready to eat Saturday morning, the children’s Ghost Train is fired up ready to take trips across the historic Meridian Bridge to the Spooky Forest, the Corn Pit will be full of 567 bushels with buried treasure to dig-up, the hay bale maze is waiting for animal trackers and the pigs are kicking up their heels training for the big race ~ hungry for their “oreo cookie treat”! The farmers & crafters, will have the market stocked ready to shop, the chili will be ready to feast on, and the streets will be full of music ~ all to put you in the festive mood and reflect upon the coming holiday season. Reading an article about starting a festival… “The top ten things you need to know for planning a festival” … at Advice #5 - If you are reading this now …its too late… there is no turning back now!” How true, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. For now I am concentrating on each day at a time and trying to accomplish at least 3 constructive things, besides running a full service art, gift and frame shop, I forge ahead! As the festival dates approach quickly so do my nerves, like a first ballet performance you hope you won’t forget a step or trip over something. Being nervous about a “first ever” or “forever” is a good thing, the hard work (a good thing I never actually counted how many hours but Richard might have `~ha!) All I’ve learned along the way, the new friendships made through this process makes it a priceless experience. Maybe now when I go grocery shopping the aisle will be full again; in the past few months people saw me coming and fled quickly, in case I might convince them they needed to get involved, provide a service, talent or product for the festival! I’m just kidding, people have been so supportive and WANT to get involved! We are sure to sleep well come November 2nd and just maybe for a few days, and then …. It starts all-over again… here we come Harvest Halloween 2015!!! For all those crazy idea people out there, don’t be shy, talk about it, get others involved, and when the question comes up: “You are going to do what?”, Simply say “well, Why Not?” and Remember Advice #5 … there is no turning back! See you downtown! Yankton ~ Friday October 31 & November 1st Cathy Clatworthy Watch for more information... Facebook/harvesthalloweenfestival www.harvesthalloween.com Keeping Smiles Healthy & Young 1101 Broadway Ste. 105, Morgen Square 605.665.2448 www.scott-family-dentistry.com Experience Gentle, Personalized Dental Care For Your Entire Family! HERVOICE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 v 9