HannaFest 2015 is now history, and from all accounts it was a big success. Perfect weather combined with large crowds, and something to do for everyone made HannaFest a popular destination for people from near and far. “I was so pleased that the Hanna community put on a great show for our visitors”, festival coordinator, Jim Jessup, said. “It was a lot of hard work, teamwork, and community support that made it all possible”, he continued. The event was sponsored by the Hanna Lions Club who cooked and sold their famous BBQ Chicken. Chief Chef and Lions President, Dave Urschel, said the 420 servings were gone by 12:30 pm. Partners with the Lions for the festival were the Hanna Historical Society, the South County Gleaners, the Hanna Volunteer Fire Department, the Hanna Branch of the La Porte County Public Library, the South Central Leo Club, the Hanna United Methodist Church, and REMC.
The Festival kicked off on Friday night with live music by a local band called Kaleidoscope Eyes, family bingo under the big tent downtown, a baked goods shuffle with proceeds going to the South County Food Pantry, food and drink, prizes, and a luminary liftoff. Over 20 town garage sales were busy Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all over the community.
On Saturday there was live entertainment all day in the park, kids’ activities and races, vendors, food, REMC’s High Voltage demonstrations, inflatable rides, live blacksmithing, a parade, a sidewalk chalk art contest, a car show, arts and crafts, and over 700 people rocked it out at the Fire Department’s Annual Summer Heat dance.
The community spent days preparing for the event by cleaning up the town and park, mowing and trimming, and decorating their yards and homes.
Jessup concluded, “I want to thank everyone that made the festival possible—thanks to all the donors of cash and prizes and to all the volunteers. There is only one thing left to do-start planning for next year.”