Newton Fall Fest to conclude farmers’ market season

As a way to highlight the final Newton Farmers’ Market of 2015, Newton Fall Fest is planned with vendors, kid’s activities, giveaways, music and more.

Newton Main Street along with the Jasper County Farm Bureau will be hosting the free celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday on the Newton square.

“Part of what we do is to provide education about the diversity of agriculture while enriching our communities. This is one of the primary reasons we approached Newton Main Street about this project,” said Trish Hafkey, of the Jasper County Farm Bureau. “It was brought to our attention that Newton previously held a widely popular ‘Farm to City’ night. Based off this initial concept, we wanted to work with the community to provide an opportunity for families to interact with local agriculturists, visit the local farmers’ market, have interactive and fun children’s activities and just enjoy downtown Newton.”

The evening will kick off with the farmers’ market starting at 4 p.m. Local growers and artists will once again bring their products to sell through 6 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., the Hawkeye Pedal Pull Contest will begin on the north side of the square. The free contest is open to children ages 4 through 11 with trophies and prizes awarded for each age group. This is a state-sanctioned pull in which winners of each group will have the option to compete in the 2016 State Championships in Marshalltown.

Community members are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free, live music by Randy Burk and the Prisoners, which also begins at 5:30 p.m. The Des Moines-based band will entertain with a mix of covers by influences such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, The Boss and many more, along with a selection of their own original music.

Face painting, balloon animals and other activities sponsored by the ISU Extension, Newton FFA, Newton Library, Iowa Public Television, Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation and Newton Fire Department will take place throughout the evening.

“Fall Fest is an opportunity to celebrate a successful farmers’ market season. Thanks to Trish and Jasper County Farm Bureau for contributing the resources, time and energy to make this event happen,” Newton Main Street Executive Director Andrew Bassman said.

This year marked the return of the farmers’ market to downtown. It was previously located in the parking lot at the Centre for Arts and Artists.

“I’ve heard good things from vendors and visitors about the farmers’ market and its location this season. We hope to continue that momentum into next season, and look for ways to expand the number of vendors and activities,” Bassman said.

For more information about the event, visit www.newtonmainstreet.com or contact Trish at the Newton Farm Bureau office at 641-792-6253.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com