First Harvestfest full of family fun

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG
Staff Writer

October 12, 2008 04:00 am

— MORRISONVILLE -- Ariel Seguin was jumping around with excitement as she and her mom carved a pumpkin.
Like dozens of other area children, the 5-year-old Ellenburg girl spent Saturday afternoon at the Clinton County Fairgrounds enjoying all the sights and sounds of the first Harvestfest.
"It's been really nice weather and we're having fun," said Mary Seguin as she watched her daughter and granddaughter finish their intricate masterpiece.
Kari Wood also spent part of the day helping her youngsters carve a pumpkin while pony rides were offered nearby.
"We just came out to see all that they have going on," the Plattsburgh mother of two said.
Melissa Wiggins was one of the many who wandered through the craft displays and was later dragged back to the kids' games by her young son.
"They have a lot of games and crafts. It's been really fun," the Peru mother said as 2-year-old Bryce took his turn in one of the two inflatable bouncing castles.
As crowds gathered near the apple sculptures and kids' games, many people, like Claire Gervais of Montreal, settled down for a relaxing show of live fiddle music.
"It's been nice. I can't wait for the music," Gervais said.
The well-attended event ran from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and will be returning at the same time today.
It was sponsored by the Advocacy and Resource Center and North Country Cultural Center for the Arts, which secured a state grant to help fund the fall festival.
Proceeds from the $5 vehicle-entrance fees will go toward both agencies, officials said.
Organizers are hoping to make this an annual event.
"We really want to do this each year. I think it's going to be a success," Susan Daul, the executive director of the Cultural Center said.
ARC Executive Director Theresa Garrow was also pleased with the crowd turnout and said, "It's been great.
"Everyone's having a wonderful time."
avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com

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