Harvest festival features something for all

by TaLeiza Calloway
news@thenewsleaders.com

Isaiah Rinne, 8, of Sartell, talks with a llama after feeding it during the 13th annual Harvest Festival Sept. 14 in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph resident Evan Robinson sits as still as he can as Lisa Wallin (right) paints his face Sept. 14. Robinson’s brother Ian, 4 and mother Tracy watches as Wallin works.

Artist Joel Cherrico demonstrates pottery throwing Sept. 14 during the 13th annual Harvest Festival hosted by the St. Joseph Farmers’ Market.

The Froemming Family Band performs a song during the annual Harvest Festival Sept. 14. From left to right: Elsie Froemming, Ruth Froemming, Mitch Froemming, Faith Froemming and Anna Froemming (back).

Wenda Sterba of Avon spins yarn during the 13th annual Harvest Festival Sept. 14 in St. Joseph.

Colorful gourds were one of many seasonal displays at the 13th annual St. Joseph Farmers’ Market Harvest Festival.

Evan Robinson sat as still as he could while his face was painted.

The 8-year-old and his brother, Ian, visit the St. Joseph Farmers’ Market often with their mother, Tracy. On Sept. 14, those St. Joseph residents were among the hundreds enjoying the 13th annual Harvest Festival near Resurrection Lutheran Church. Tracy said they often bike to the market.

From about 20 market vendors and art demonstrations to live entertainment, food stands and pumpkin decorating, the festival was ripe with activity for all. Entertainment also included music provided by the Froemming Family Band, Cannery Row and a performance by fire dancer “Scarlette Revolver.”

Terri Emmerich, a regular market vendor and one of the organizers of the event, said the event continues to grow from season to season.

“It’s a nice event,” Emmerich said. “We’ve had a festival ever since we started the market in 2004. We’re always growing and in transition.”

One of the features of the festival was a petting zoo complete with llamas and sheep. This was one of 10-year-old Isaiah Rinne’s favorite aspects of the event. The Sartell resident aimed to feed as many animals as he could. Those he didn’t feed, he chatted with and stroked gently. He was surprised at how fast the animals ate the grains from his hand.

“He loves animals,” said Denise Rinne, Isaiah’s mother. “We try to come to the market as often as we can.”

Wendy Sterba of Avon was one of the artists displaying her craft. She made yarn from a spinning wheel from the coats of alpaca and sheep during the festival.

She said it’s not hard to do once the technique is learned.

“You learn from people you know,” Sterba said. “I like these events because by teaching you get people to hold on to the craft.”

The St. Joseph Farmers’ Market is open from 3-6:30 p.m. every Friday in the parking lot of Resurrection Lutheran Church. The market will close at 6 p.m. starting today through Oct. 19, according to the market’s website. For more information about the market, visit www.stjosephfarmersmarket.com.