Harvest Daze – the weekend fundraising event hosted by the Iroquois County Historical Society – is knocking on the door. Next month’s event at the Old Courthouse Museum in Watseka has all kinds of activities planned. Harvest Daze is the non-profit organization’s major fundraiser of the year with proceeds helping with the upcoming heating bills, along with repairs, routine maintenance and updates to the 150-year-old Old Courthouse Museum.

Volunteers make it happen. If you’re interested in the events or how you can get involved, contact the Old Courthouse.

Kicking off the 38th annual event weekend is a Woodworth-style fish fry slated for 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Carry-outs are available or you can enjoy your meal under the big tent on the grounds. Scarecrows need to be handcrafted and be able to withstand the elements of being outside.

The Iroquois County Genealogical Society will sponsor a pumpkin contest following the theme “It’s a Party.” The theme corresponds to the 50th anniversary of the ICHS and the 150th anniversary of Watseka as the seat of Iroquois County. It is also in recognition of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the ICGS in 2020 and the 2018 Bicentennial of Illinois

An opening ceremony takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, conducted by American Legion Post 23 and VFW Post 7450.
Both days, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., ham and beans will be available in the big tent next to the Red Barn. Vendors will be set up throughout the museum grounds Saturday and Sunday.

The 12th annual Cruise-In will take place on the south yard of the courthouse on Saturday. Sunday will feature the 14th Annual Antique Tractor Show.

The grand finale of Harvest Daze 2017 will be the fifth (and final) People’s Choice Talent Competition which takes place at 3:30 p.m. Sunday under the big tent. Entry deadline for this contest is Friday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m.

94.1 WGFA