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Planning Adena’s first Fall Fest

BY SHAWN DIGITY (twitter@DIGITYnodoubt)

Adena is introducing its very first Fall Fest next month. And village council member Marla Brokaw is spearheading the event with high hopes. As for the fest’s first rendition, “it’s really just to get the community together and have fun, give people something look forward to,” according to Brokaw. The event is meant to be community-focused — and community-driven. “I want the kids to want to be here. I want the people that put money into the little businesses here to get together. I feel it’s important that we stick together. A little town like Adena, we just need something to do to keep people wanting to be here.”

Also, according to Brokaw, the village green doesn’t get used that often, so it made sense to use it for another event. Every winter, there’s the “Christmas on the Green” event, but there’s nothing autumn-related on the Adena schedule. So it became a marriage of ideas. The green wasn’t being used as much as some would want. And there wasn’t any sort of fall festival. There are already numerous fests elsewhere in Harrison County throughout October, but Adena hadn’t had one until now.

Brokaw reiterated how vital the community was, and she’s grateful for the small businesses that go out of their way to help with the village’s events. And in the Fall Fest’s case, L.A. Pizza & Pub, American Legion, and the Adena Lions Club are helping out. Brokaw emphasized that’s it important to put local money back into the Adena businesses since many try to help out. And she’s encouraged by the amount of participation and effort she’s gotten from other committee members and cooperating businesses.

Brokaw wants everyone in the community to give back to one another. And she already has her sights on next year for the Fall Fest and other events, like outdoor concerts. While the fest is quickly approaching for Brokaw and Adena, she mentioned that it took more planning than expected: “You have to think about everything.” But, whether it’s the electric, the raffle, or the wristbands for the cook-off, Brokaw admitted moving forward that the committee was a good call for designating tasks and having multiple hands on the project. And having regularly scheduled meetings is essential to the committee — and the fest’s — success. It might also help that some of the Fall Fest committee members have experience planning for the village’s summer Heritage Days.

As for the fest’s events, Brokaw is confident there will be a good turnout for the chili cook-off. The cook-off will not have traditional judges; it’ll be people’s choice. Those who pay the $15 for a voting ticket and wristband will have the ability to vote for their favorite. And the most votes will reveal the winner.

There's also a scarecrow contest. It's $10 per entry, and the deadline is Monday, Oct. 25. Setup will fall on Friday, Nov. 5, and the judging will take place during the actual Fall Fest on Nov. 6.

As mentioned, Fall Fest falls on Nov. 6 this year, lasting from noon to 8 p.m. "I just hope there's a good turnout and anybody's welcome. I want the kids to have fun. I just want the community to have something to look forward to." Brokaw quickly mentioned COVID factoring into 2020's event schedule, and she's hoping that the new Fall Fest will bring a fresh experience in with a bang.

"I just really want to do something that makes Adena better."

Harrisville UMC hosting free music hour concert

HARRISVILLE—The Harrisville United Methodist Church is hosting a free music hour concert on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. with live music by Ken Staley (guitar and vocals), Dustin Kinsey (keyboard and vocals), Brian Dawes (bass guitar), Roger Warren (saxophone), and special guest singer Larry Woods. Six of the songs will be originals that Staley and Kinsey penned.

Kinsey stated, “This Ken Staley is the same Pastor Ken Staley who writes the weekly Good News articles in the Harrison News-Herald. Now is your chance to meet him and hear some of his, what I consider, top-notch songs that God laid on Ken’s heart over the years. All are welcome and encouraged to spend an hour with us this Sunday night.”

The Harrisville United Methodist Church is located across from the Harrisville post office (49355 U.S. Route 250, Harrisville, Ohio 43974).

For more information about the music hour or how to connect with Christ and serve with the Harrisville UMC family, please contact Kinsey at 740-391-6052 (dkinsey86@comcast.net) or Pastor Ken Staley at 918-852-9797 (PastorKenStaley@ gmail.com).