What is the SLM Fall Festival?
The short answer is -
it's a labor of love, a lot of hard work and very enjoyable.
The long answer is -
a personal invitation for you be here this year.
It is an annual celebration featuring life in the 1800's on the original farmstead site of the Bergt family who immigrated here from Nieder-Frohna in 1839. One generation after another of the Bergt family lived here over the span of 118 years, from 1839 - 1957.
The festival is always held on the second Saturday of October from 9am -4pm
It is a terrific day of:
meeting with family and friends,
eating good food,
seeing live demonstrations,
touring historic log cabins
buying hand-crafted items from the artisans,
listening to local musical entertainment
viewing picturesque scenery
taking lots of memorable pictures
winning prizes
helping make apple butter or molasses
trying a new skill
taking a horse & wagon ride
having lots of fun
AND last, but certainly not least,
participating in the tradition of the Schnitzelbank.
There is no cost to enter or park, however, as a non-profit organization we provide an opportunity for vistiors to make a contribution towards the continued preservation of the historic village for future
generations to enjoy.
How can I be involved with this event?
There is also a way to be involved with the festival. As you can imagine it takes a tremendous
amount of preparation and many hours of volunteer contributions to make it happen.
If you have ever thought to yourself,
"I think it really would be fun to help with this event."
You are absolutely right! But how? VOLUNTEER!
We have plenty of room for individuals to help with the hands-on demonstrations, these bring life to the site,yet have the means to take people on a trip down memory lane or at the very least, help them see & learn what it was like to live as a pioneer.
Each year more and more people attend, so each year we need more and more bread and coffee cake baked to sell at the Brick Oven.
If you love meeting new people, being a greeter is one way to say hello to nearly every person who attends or you might prefer helping at the registration table.
Maybe behind the scenes is where you see yourself. That's great - there are lots of things that need to be done before anyone ever gets here. Cleaning, yardwork, setting up booths and demonstration areas, publicity, and decorating,
Other Options?
Do you have a hand-made craft that you would like to
sell to the public? Call the SLM for details.
Do you have a group that would like to earn some
money by selling food? Call the SLM for details.
Do you own a business that would like to sponsor one of
our tents? We use 4. Call the SLM for details.
Do you have a skill or trade of the 1800 era that you
would like to teach & share? Call the SLM for details.
If you have any questions about the festival or would like to receive a copy of last year's souvenier book, please "Call the SLM for details" or use our contact page.
Telephone: 573-824-5404
How is this event supported/funded?
There are several ways the Fall Festival is supported and funded.
You can support our efforts by being involved; be on an organizational committee, help get the site ready, invite your extended family and friends, or donate needed items. Each way is very important and greatly needed, so if a physical or personal contribution of support is one that suits you best, we ask that you prayerfully consider what will work for you and your family; then boldly and confidently act on your prayers and ask what you can do to help support the event. And know that we are most grateful for your sacrifice of time and energy to help with all that is necessary to make it a place enjoyed by all who attend.
Many of you know the feeling of satisfaction when you hear comments of how "this festival" was the best one so far. Thanks for ALL you have done - keep up the great job.
Or you can fund our efforts by being a patron. As a non-profit organization, we depend on financial contributions to make the festival the success it has been for the last 28 years and to help with continued preservation of the site. God is so gracious and good and has blessed it immensely through the generosity of it's patrons. We do not take these gifts or funds for granted and we know very well that it is a selfless gift from everyone. So we humbly thank you for all you have given in the past. In order to continue though, we ask that you prayerfully consider with your family or company what a comfortable gift would be for this year. It is so gratifying when you hear how this is the one and only time some family members have a chance to visit and catch up with each other. They look so forward to this event. Maybe the same is true for you and your family or friends? It's a legacy in progress.
And there is a way you can do both, believe it or not. If you are a crafter or a food vendor you have the opportunity to support and fund the event. As a crafter there is a $35 booth fee and as a food vendor, 20% of the monies taken in is the space fee; both fees help to fund expenses incurred. Through your products and food services you are supporting the activities of the event that are promoted and give visitors a reason to attend. Thank you to the 25+ crafters who have come the last two years, it is a pleasure working with you and I look forward to many years of your presence here. As for our food vendors, what is a festival without food? It's one of the first questions asked when people inquire about the festival, "what kind of food do you have?"
We thank each and everyone who works so hard to feed the masses. We proudly promote 6 food vendors. They are: Ron's Diner, Old Appleton; Sikeston Men's Club; Ries Meats, Pocohantas; Concordia LC Ladies Aid/LWML; APS/CTLS PTL; and The Cooking Lorenz Brothers.
What is a Fall Festival patron? How can I become a patron?
A patron is someone or a business who gives a monetary gift to the Saxon Lutheran Memorial. There are several levels of giving so a person/business can choose at what level they desire to be a patron of the Saxon Lutheran Memorial.
In July a letter is sent out, if you have not received a letter recently, please call the Saxon Lutheran Memorial to have your information updated or your name added to the list of patrons currently on file,
please let me know by the end of June.
Or you can send it through the contact page.