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Fall Fest underscores the importance of town's history

| 19 Oct 2018 | 06:29
    Photos by Laurie Gordon Kids part-take in children's races at the Stillwater Historical Society Fall Fest
    Photos by Laurie Gordon Kids part-take in children's races at the Stillwater Historical Society Fall Fest
    Roy Knutsen, one of the Fall Fest's co-directors, helps coordinate the days events from his tractor.
    Roy Knutsen, one of the Fall Fest's co-directors, helps coordinate the days events from his tractor.
    Three-year-old Tristan Stonebridge enjoys the pony rides. His grandpa works at the Stillwater School where the event was held.
    Three-year-old Tristan Stonebridge enjoys the pony rides. His grandpa works at the Stillwater School where the event was held.
    Dianna Maggio, a resident of Stillwater (left) and Stacy Harvey (right) the Historical Society's Recording Secretary educate visitors about the Society and its importance.
    Dianna Maggio, a resident of Stillwater (left) and Stacy Harvey (right) the Historical Society's Recording Secretary educate visitors about the Society and its importance.

By Laurie Gordon
STILLWATER — Changes in economic, family and community dynamics have made it more challenging to preserve history. Through its annual Fall Fest and other events that underscore history's importance, The Historical Society of Stillwater Township is working tirelessly to promote and preserve the town's past.
On Saturday, the annual Fall Fest featured good old fashioned fun. It wasn't about bounce houses and commercialism, rather the Fest was about pony rides, guessing the weight of a pumpkin, a hay maze, an art contest, an apple pie bake off and even a tractor hay ride tour of the town driven by none other than Stillwater's Mayor, herself, Lisa Chammings.
“It's a great local event with the opportunity to mingle with friends and neighbors in the context of promoting history,” said the Society's president, Deborah Drum. “The children have such fun, the vendors add a nice touch for the adults and the food provided by the Stillwater Fire Department was a huge hit.”
She added: “We love the creativity the children’s coloring contest stimulates. This festival connects the young and old and is a great kick off to autumn.”
Stacey Harvey, the Historical Society's Recording Secretary said, “The Society is so important to preserve what's here and promote a sense of Stillwater's history to the community. Many people may not know about our wonderful museum which is a fantastic flash back in time and so great to tour through. The Fest brings the community together and helps us celebrate the start of fall.”
People ventured to Stillwater from all over the area to join in the fun. The proceeds will go to upkeep and restoration of The Academy (The Historical Society's museum). The exterior was painted this past summer and in doing so, the Society discovered the stucco needs help, indoors needs painting and the second story ceiling has a leak that needs patching and painting.
The smiles on the children's faces as they part-took in a race and darted through the hay maze was a true testament to the Fest's mission. Educating and remembering generations past and celebrating the generations of the present.