PrairieFest Blends Small Town Tradition and Big Life Entertainment

Gold banners are waving, brochure pages turning, and phones ringing as the community prepares for this weekend’s annual PrairieFest.

A year of planning comes down to a four day festival that this town has embraced for the past 23 years.  As PrairieFest Coordinator, I am often asked what sets this festival apart from other local and regional events, the answer can be easily summed up in one word … community.

It is difficult to think of one community group that doesn’t participate in the Fest in some way. From service organizations to Scout groups, representatives of all ages are out on the Fest grounds promoting their cause and interacting with their community. Businesses show up too as participants in the Village Expo on the festival grounds taking advantage of the opportunity to connect with potential customers in a fun and interactive way.

The Bucket Brigade on Main Street Saturday afternoon has been a PrairieFest tradition forever.  Sister Hazel released a new album just last October. So from the Thursday night kick off performance of our local community Prairie Winds band through Sunday’s Oswego Talent Showcase, PrairieFest activities blend Small Town traditions and Big Life entertainment.

So as you’re on the festival grounds early on Friday to secure your spot for the free Blue Oyster Cult concert, remember to walk over to the Information Booth to purchase your raffle ticket for the PrairieFest quilt. A dozen ladies worked every Thursday morning for a year to make it! Oh and yes, they donate the proceeds.

See you at the Fest!