Good weather draws crowds to October event

There's a trouble a brewin' as Scott Lindow and John Watkins from the Rattlesnake Station Old-West Reenactors group brought the fall harvest hayride to an abrupt halt. After a brief shootout with other members of the turn-of-the-century reenactment group, both men hopped aboard the hay wagon to showcase the city's landmarks to participants. Photo by Brian S. Orban

"Don't nobody move!"

The pair of desperados made their move just as the passenger wagon stopped at the local street corner. Firing their six-shooters overhead, their intent to rob the men and women of their money and jewelry seemed all too clear.

With the sheriff nowhere in sight, the robbery abruptly ended as a pair of women drew their concealed pistols and took aim. One of the men hollered in agony as the warning shot appeared to graze his leg.

"Next time I won't miss!" the older woman shouted, her sidearm serving as a more-than-effective deterrent.

Their nefarious crime once again thwarted, the would-be thieves resigned themselves to becoming passengers on the same wagon they aimed to rob.

Rolling once again through the streets of Mountain Home, the turn-of-the-century reenactment became an introduction of sorts as the passengers learned more about the city's often-colorful history during this year's Fall Harvest Festival.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary on Saturday, the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce event marked the end of southern Idaho's annual farming season, said Stephanie Bergh, who chairs the festival committee.

Following its origins as the city's yearly Oktoberfest, the harvest festival took on a life of its own "and has transitioned and grown with the community," Bergh said.

Mayor Tom Rist credited sunny skies and warm temperatures for the constant stream of people that crowded into the city's downtown area during the day.

"The harvest festival has always been a great opportunity for the community to come together," the mayor said.

The festival represents what being a community is all about, Bergh said. "It's all about friends coming together and enjoying their camaraderie."

Several of the yearly attractions at this weekend's festival showcased southern Idaho's reputation as a leader in agriculture. This included the "Dinner on a Farmer" promotion where local growers donate some of their produce, which is then handed out to harvest participants. Outreach programs like this remain part of an overall effort to raise awareness and protect farming and dairy industries in the county, according to organizers.

An assortment of children's activities gave local youngsters plenty of hands-on exposure to southern Idaho's farming and ranching opportunities. Children like four-year-old Layla Jewett "learned the ropes" of accurately throwing a lasso during a roping demonstration, which made its debut this year. For others like Kirstin and Kaden Le, it was a chance to interact with livestock at the Mountain Home High School rodeo's petting zoo.

Other attractions also made their initial appearance at this year's fall harvest, including a pie cookoff as well as a dance performance by the Boise Cloggers, a Dutch heritage group.

Meanwhile, home brewers made their second appearance this year as they served various porters and stauts they brew as a hobby. Pouring a sample of his Nampa Nut Brown Ale, Jeff Paradis chatted with a handful of others that spent the past several weeks refining their secret beer-making recipes for this year's judging.

Also returning to this year's festival line up included a chili cookoff as well as the Oasis fire department's annual yard sale.

While each person had their own reasons for attending the harvest festival, it was the lure of tents, music and food that compelled youngsters like Katelyn Richardson to visit the city's downtown area. It was the first time her family had attended the event since moving to Mountain Home roughly 18 months ago.

"We saw this huge festival and decided to stop and walk through," Richardson said.

The lure of pumpkin painting contests and petting zoos was an easy temptation for Jessica Hudnutt's children.

"It was our chance to get out of the house and see the area," said Hudnutt, who drove with her family from the Seattle area to visit her parents here.

For people like Les Guillory and his wife, Isabela, the festival was their first exposure to the Mountain Home lifestyle after arriving here Sept. 12. Recently finishing their assignment in Okinawa, the couple hoped to meet with others in the local area and make some new friends along the way.