By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Wheat farmers have had their eyes turned to the sky over the last several months in search of rain. Good harvest or bad, the party will still go on in Ellinwood at the 51st Annual After Harvest Festival July 18-20. AHF Chairperson Nancy Baird said volunteers are still needed for the three-day event.
"We're just two months out, so it's getting real," she said. "I've got almost all the activities planned, I'm finishing up on sponsorships right now. We're getting close to getting everything sent off to printers so we can get our big posters made, our flyers made. Now, it just comes down to finding volunteers to help put everything together."
Baird said there are already chairpeople lined up to run events, but a successful Festival depends on the many volunteers doing smaller tasks. Every hour volunteered makes a difference.
"It's a 3-day event, and I don't expect anybody to say they'll give up their three days of After Harvest Festival," Baird said. "I know people want to enjoy and want to be part of it, but can you give me an hour of your time? Can you help with setup? Can you help with the teardown? Can you help with the barbecue and pass out water bottles for an hour? Can you help set up tables and chairs Thursday morning? There are so many different avenues you can help because there's so much behind the scenes it takes to make this all come together."
The AHF Committee will host a meeting on Wednesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 320 in Ellinwood. Those unable to attend but wishing to volunteer can reach Baird by calling (620) 566-7353.