05/28/13 The Yellow River Festival will expand to two days of fun, music, living history, and family activities in 2013. The festivities will take place at River Park Square (East Laporte Street next to the Farmers Market) on June 1 and 2 this year, growing to include both Saturday and Sunday after six years operating on the first Saturday in June.
The second day allows more opportunities to bring historical re-enactors and vendors reflecting the festival’s celebration of 1800s Marshall County, notes Paula McAdams, one of the festival planners. “They would not come for just one day, unpack their things, and pack up at the end of the day to go home,” she explains. The festival’s second day also allows them to bring in a “Young Abe Lincoln” actor, Danny Russell and sponsored by U.S. Granules while bringing back festival favorite Johnny Appleseed, whose appearance will be sponsored by Del Monte again this year.
The Sunday festivities will include an interdenominational old-time church service. Festival planners are still looking for a local minister interested in leading the service.
Expansion brings a set of challenges, as well. The festival is looking for firewood and straw donations needed for the re-enactors’ overnight stay and will need to provide a meal for the 50th VA troops, a group of Civil War re-enactors. Festival planners are asking for donations to help covering the meal and purchasing black powder for the troops’ explosive fun. Anyone wishing to donate for any of the above items – or ministers interested in the Sunday service — can call Paula McAdams (301-385-6235) or Teressa Welborn (574-952-2750).
As always, the festival invites non-profit organizations to sell food as a fundraiser at the festival. They still have spots available. Those interested may contact Mike Woolfington at 574-936-1882.
For more information, please visit www.yellowriverfestival.org.
