Festival brings the world home

HALLIDAY - Who wouldn't want to go on a trip around the world without the travel cost?

For Halliday residents, that is just what they get to do without leaving the city limits.

The annual Halliday Fall Festival kicks off today with residents going visiting houses and businesses decorated like a foreign country of their choice. People also have the chance to taste different dishes of the countries represented from 12-4:30 p.m.

The "Trip Around the World" theme was popular in years past and the fall festival board is hoping it is popular today. The idea was revived by resident Debi Biffert.

"I had read somewhere a few years ago during a celebration that we did this," Biffert said. "People decorated homes and businesses like certain countries, cooked a food dish and people could walk around to visit and eat some. It was a success and I thought why not try this year?"

Biffert thought it was a great way of getting people to walk around and visit, she added.

"Life is so busy and we all need to slow down and spend time with the community sometimes," Biffert said. "It's not mandatory for people to participate. I just thought it would be fun."

Festivities for the fall festival begin with the trip around the world event today and continue with other activities until the late evening tomorrow.

Activities for the Halliday Fall Festival include:

*At 5 p.m. today the Halliday FFA sells Fleischkuekla for $5 a plate.

*At 7 p.m. is the Halliday variety show which features singing, cowboy poetry and Irish dancing from several Dunn County artists.

*At 9:30 p.m. is a dance with K-Hook providing music for all ages.

*On Saturday at 9 a.m. the WELCA Lutheran Women are serving goodies in city hall.

*Also at 9 a.m. craft booths are in the Legion Room of the Triangle Bar until 3 p.m., sponsored by the Halliday Lions Club.

*At 10 a.m. floats line up for the Halliday parade starting at 10:30 a.m. by the Halliday Farmers Elevator.

*From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. sloppy joes and hot dogs are served by the American Legion Auxiliary in city hall.

*From 12-5 p.m. a jumper's castle is available on Main Street free of charge.

*At 1:30 p.m. a cake walk is in the fire hall.

*From 12-3 p.m. is the antique tractor show and ugly car contest on Main Street. Winners are decided by the public.

*From 12-5 p.m. there is a blacksmith demonstration behind the Triangle Bar.

*From 5-7 p.m. is "Supper in the Park" which is free of charge and sponsored by the Union Bank in Halliday. The musical group Dakota Nights plays during the meal.

*From 8 p.m. to midnight an "Ole Time Dance" is in the Legion Room of the Triangle Bar.