Hi-Line Harvest Fest draws big crowds

The newly annual Hi-Line Harvest Festival took place Friday and Saturday in Chester, with music, food, vendors, auctions and other events for adults and children, drawing an impressive crowd.

Harvest festivals have been held in Chester before, but, two years ago, local resident Peyton Cole sought to make them a yearly affair, and it seems the event has already grown.

Saturday, Cole, who is moving to Texas this week, said people in the community have stepped up to the plate to help make the event bigger and better than last year's event.

"We have a lot of volunteers this year, a lot more people helping out, taking on bigger obligations," she said.

She said this year's music stage is twice as big as last year's, and they have more than double the number of vendors they had last year as well.

Indeed, the street was filled with vendors and attendees as organizers set up bed races, and sound systems were set up for musical performances later in the day as children rode ponies not far away.

Among those vendors was Maxine Woods, who said it was her first year at the event.

"Just look at it; it's been a great turnout," Woods said.

Jake Aaron said he had been at the last Harvest Fest, and it looks a lot bigger this time, even though it was only an hour in.

"I'd love for this to be a regular thing around here," he said.

Holly Wicks, another attendee said she was only able to come for the last part of the festival in 2022, but her family has been having a great time and she's glad they were able to come for more of it this time.

In addition to the music, there was a corn hole tournament flag football, live painting, races for children, bucket truck rides, arts, crafts and other activities.