INFORMATION:
What:   Fairfield 1st Fridays Art Walk - Celebrates Harvest
When:  Friday, September 3, 2010
Time:    6:30 - 9:00 pm
Where: Downtown Fairfield

September Art Walk will be a celebration of harvest and all the food and bounty that goes with it.  Partnering with Art Walk is the County Farm Bureau who will be sponsoring a booth on the southeast corner of the Square displaying the photography skills of Iowa Farm Bureau photographer Joe Murphy, a Kid's Pedal Pull, Free Pork Loin Sandwiches, and a display of farm equipment. Farmers from Jefferson, Van Buren and Wapello County will be on hand to answer questions about their farms.  "It's a great way for us to promote and put a face on the industry we love," said Jeremy Atwood, Jefferson County President.  "As Americans become more removed from the farm it's important to explain how passionate and responsible we are to the land and our animals."

Next to the Farm Bureau, on the Southwest corner of the park will be members of Fairfield's Farmer Market and some special new contests.  "Get your throwing arm ready" advises Betsy Howland, Art Walk coordinator. "1st Fridays Art Walk is having its very 1st horseshoe contest and Cow Chip toss contest."  Ribbons will be award to the winners in both contests and the public is invited to come to the south side of the Square and give it a try or simply cheer their favorite team to victory.  The South side will also host the Girl Scout's Dunk tank, featuring another great line up of "dunkees".
 
The Northeast quadrant of the Square will feature hay rides and the kid's corner. The Hay rides, compliments of Radiance Dairy, will operate from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The kid's corner will feature pony rides for children from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. A petting zoo with baby farm animals along with Noah's Ark's & their furry little friends will also be highlighted in this quadrant.  The Kids corner's favorite crafty lady Patti Soderburg, will be there to help the kids with a take-home corn project.
 
There is an abundance of Musical entertainment this month.  Starting at 5:30 at the Gazebo will be the country tunes of Stanley Knipfer and Friends, followed by the Steamboat Kings from Minneapolis. The Steamboat Kings are a Folky Alternative band comprised of students from the McNallySmith College of music who started making music in 2009. They are currently working on a full length album and their shows are vibrant and energetic, making a fun, danceable entertaining sound.   Also look for the Fiddlin' Granny who will be making her way around the Square with her peppy fiddle tunes.
 
The Harvestfest would not be complete without the Food Court, exhibiting artists and crafters on the Northwest quadrant from 6pm to 9:30 pm.  Look for the shops and galleries to be open all night.