Porter’s Harvest Festival Aug. 18-20

The latest census listed the small burg of Porter at 160 people. When the town hosts its annual Harvest Festival celebration, however, there are nearly three times that number on hand.
People come from all over to enjoy the many festivities included in the three-day event that will be held Aug. 18-20.
Included again in this year's festivities is the increasingly popular kickball tournament on Saturday, Aug. 19. This is the third year of the tournament and has become among the most popular events among participants and spectators. Sign-up deadline for the kickball tournament is Aug. 14 (See ad in this issue).
On Friday, there will be the annual Lawn Mower Fun Run at 6 p.m., the King and Queen coronation at 7:30 p.m., and Mario Brothers and the Midnight Cowboys will be playing from 8 p.m. to midnight.
On Saturday morning, the Porter Fire Department and First Responders will host a Pancake Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. to get things kicked off that day.
"Throughout the day we will be featuring food trucks in the park and at the Tractor Show," said Harvest Festival committee member Josh Sumption. "Saturday’s lineup features a ton of fun for kids with the kid’s mini-carnival, kid’s tractor pull, kid’s firefighter water fights, and a new kids bracket in our annual bean bag tournament. "The annual Tractor and Equipment Show, sponsored by Kenny and Linda Hennen, always draws a large number of entrants and has a strong showing of visitors. It will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a tractor parade around town, and then the kiddie and adult tractor pull.
There is also a craft and vendor show from 9 a.m. to noon outside the Porter Hall.
Sunday's lineup of entertainment has been expanded again and will include a community church service at Bethel Lutheran Church to help celebrate its 150th anniversary this year.
Another popular event, the grilling competition, will be held at the park on Sunday. Plates can be purchased for $10 beginning at noon.
The Trail Dusters Saddle Club will host a Fun Horse Show and competition beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
The Porter Fire Department Water Fights and the Pie and Ice Cream Social, featuring hot ham and cheese sandwiches, will be held from 1-5 p.m. at the Porter Community Hall.