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Excerpts from Nov. 8, 1945 Courier:

“Sunday morning (Nov. 4), a little before 8 o’clock, a fire whistle called the fireman to extinguish a fire at the Bethany Mennonite Church. The building was so densely filled with smoke that it was impossible to locate the fire in and the flames devoured the building in short time; only a little was saved. 

“The fire started in the basement from an overheated pipe. $4,000 is covered by insurance, which covers close to half the loss. This is the third fire in the history of the building. The first fire was in 1907, the second was in 1922. The original building was erected in 1898.

“… In the course of time, more room was needed and in 1925 an addition was added to the original building at a cost of $4,000. The old building was remodeled and when completed, the building made a fine modern church edifice. The services for the coming Sunday will be held in the College Gym.”

Addendum: The founders of the Bethany congregation were of Hutterite, Low German and Swiss Mennonite background living in or near Freeman. They began meeting in the public school in 1896-97. 

As the Courier reported, although the first church building was erected in 1898, Bethany Mennonite Church wasn’t officially chartered until 1905 when it joined the General Conference Mennonite Church. 

In 1925, the original 28’x48 building at 507 S. Poplar was turned from its east-west axis to north-south and a 28’x28’ addition was added to the east 

Following the 1945 fire, the Bethany congregation met in the chapel of Freeman Junior College and Academy until February 1950, when construction of a new church building (which began in 1948) had progressed enough to hold services there. An education wing was added in 1964.

 In the 1920s, 50 years after it first appeared during the Civil War era, a new Ku Klux Klan arose in the United States, including this region of South Dakota. This is what Courier editor J.J. Mendel wrote in the Nov. 6, 1924, edition.

“The K.K. Klan organizer has been in the city for a day during the past week and made an attempt to organize here but nobody seemed to pay attention to this move. 

“A report from Hurley has this to say: ‘A big gathering of the Ku Klux Klan occurred here in the American Legion Hall last evening. The large hall was packed with Klansmen and the curious to hear the lecture on Klanism by Rev. Bacon of Springfield, Ohio, a Klan lecturer and organizer. Many were unable to gain entrance to the large hall, and another public meeting was to be held this (Thursday) evening. Rev. Bacon called on Miss Fami Mills, who was in the audience, to offer prayer, which she did. In his talk, he read the oath of a Klansman and stated the objects of the Klan, which he said were to promote law enforcement, 100 per cent. Americanism, pure government, etc. After the meeting, a secret session was held, and it is reported, several men joined the Klan.’”

Addendum: This was not the first time Mendel shared news about the KKK from other area papers (which he refers to as “exchanges.”)

Sept. 6, 1922: “According to exchanges, Ku Klux Klansmen reached McCook County in the burning of two crosses, one east of Montrose and the other west of Bridgewater, just outside the city limits.”

Nov. 15, 1923: “From the Marion Record: The K.K.K. have arrived at the necessary 200 members ... in this vicinity and that means the burning of the cross. This morning at 12:45 the firebell sounded the warning and the writer happened to be one of the few that heard it. Thinking it a fire, we hurriedly dressed, and at first it had the appearance of a telephone pole (but) as we drew closer, it dawned on us (as) the ‘Fiery Cross.’” 

Excerpts from the Oct. 27, 1949 issue of the Freeman Courier.

The campaign for or against the municipal saloon is now on in Freeman, whether you like it or not. With the tax question involved in this election campaign, it’s within the range of probability that a big vote will be in the case in this election. Touch a man’s pocketbook and you have touched his heart. 

We are no prophet, neither are we the son of a prophet, but it looks like Freeman will join the neighboring towns and vote for a municipal saloon in this election to ease the tax burden.

And also remember, nobody will be open to criticism just because he voted; but if you do not vote, you are open to criticism. 

Addendum: Mendel was right; the Nov. 3 Courier reported “on Tuesday’s election in Freeman, 362 votes were cast – 246 for municipal saloon and 116 against.” 

An attempt to establish a municipal liquor store two years earlier had failed 132-185.

A municipal store gave the city both control of liquor sales and revenue that reduced taxes as Mendel pointed out. Initially, the city leased space in the wooden building the Freeman VFW had just purchased as its meeting hall on the south side of Third Street between Main and Juniper. But when the VFW erected a new brick building on that site in 1964, it ended the lease arrangement with the city.

In June 1964, the city voted to build a new Freeman Municipal Store on the west end of property on the south side of the east half of Third Street between Poplar and Main (currently City Hall). It had been the location of the Freeman Courier office until Mendel sold the paper to Glenn and Vernon Gering in 1960. The city liquor store and bar opened in 1965 and continued as a municipal operation for 40 years.

In June 2005, the Freeman City Council voted to lease the bar with an operating agreement that includes monthly rent and a percentage of revenue going into city coffers. Today, Jay Hofer operates the bar as Hootz.

From the Oct. 17, 1918 issue of the Courier.

The sad news of the death of Jacob Stucky was received last week Thursday. It’s only a few weeks ago that Mr. Stucky left for Fort Riley. He was one of those who reached the age of 21 since last year and registered this year June and was called in fall and died at Fort Riley last Thursday (Oct. 10). The cause of his death was pneumonia . . . About 50 young men from this town are in service and he was the first one to embark on the ocean of eternity. We extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved ones.

The following week, the Courier reported “a letter received this week from the boys says that Jake J. Weber was killed in action.”

Addendum: 

Although there’s no apparent record of further details in the Courier, in his history book, History of Freeman from 1879 to 1958, publisher J.J. 

Mendel included this: “Jacob Weber was killed on the last day of the war, reports say. Mr. Weber, of Freeman, Hutchinson County, who was one of the first men to leave his home and enter the service, was killed in action in the Argonne Forest October 18, 1918, according to word received by his

relatives. No definite particulars of his death were procurable.”

Mendel also writes that Jacob Hofer, from the Clayton area, was killed in action Oct. 16, 1918. It is believed that he also fell in the battle of the Argonne Forest.

Freeman’s American Legion Weber Hofer Post #248, chartered March 22, 1930 is named for Jacob Weber and Jacob Hofer.

In the Nov. 14, 1918 Courier, Mendel reported:

“When the news reached Freeman, Monday morning (Nov. 11), that Kaiser Wilhelm had abdicated and the German Plenipotentiaries had signed the armistice, preparations were immediately made for the celebration of the glad tidings. The mayor of the town ordered all the business places closed and the farmers were notified per phone of the celebration.”

The afternoon program began at 2 p.m. on Main Street that afternoon featuring several local speakers.

Mendel notes it “closed with the singing of “America” and the people felt that they had celebrated in a safe and sane way, well expressing their joy over the glad tidings and reiterating their loyalty to their country.”

Excerpts from the Oct. 23, 1984  issue of the Courier:

Freeman Junior College will be closing its doors at the end of the current 1985-86 school year with Freeman Academy continuing operation in the 1986-87 school year and expanding to include a junior high program.

That decision came at the special meeting of the corporation of Freeman Junior College and Academy on Thursday, October 17. The body approved the recommendation from the board of directors calling for that action by a 78.8 percent vote at the conclusion of a four-hour meeting held at Pioneer Hall.

A continuing, growing debt - $335,000 at the end of September - and a smaller-than-anticipated college enrollment at Freeman College forced the board of directors of the corporation to call the meeting of corporation members to implement a plan of action.

…The Board of Directors voted October 3 to recommend to the corporation that Freeman Academy continue to operate and that Freeman Junior College close at the end of the school year. A crowd estimated at about 500 attended. 

In the discussion of the motion, board member Larry Tschetter said,

"The bottom line is - which school will benefit my children most at a very important time of life? I feel the academy meets the needs of the biblical mandate."

However, another board member, Tim Waltner spoke in support of keeping FJC open and closing the Academy. He said he has no argument about the importance of Christian education but said the question is which is the best way to continue that mission.

Board chairman LaVerne Graber (said) "The pain of losing Freeman College hits a broad scope of people. However, we should look back and feel good about Freeman Junior College. The college has served very well." 

Addendum: Freeman Academy opened its 7-12 program in fall 1986, added grades 5-6 in 1992, grades 1-4 in 2012, and kindergarten, preschool and daycare in 2019, reverting to 1-12 in 2024. On Jan. 31, 2026, with a similar dynamic as in 1986 – financial and enrollment challenges – by a 64 % margin, members approved the FA Board recommendation to end classroom instruction at the end of the 2025-26 school year. A simple majority was required.

 More than four pages of the Oct. 6, 1966 issue of the Freeman Courier were devoted to the 1966 South Dakota Mechanical Corn Picking Contest.

Freeman hosted the event on the Lewis Kleinsasser farm, south of 278th Street (commonly known as “the Fensel Road)” about a half mile east of Highway 81. It was one of Freeman’s biggest news stories of the year.

Freeman was named as the site in January by KSOO radio and TV, joined by the Extension Service at South Dakota State College and Freeman in sponsoring the annual contest. The contest began in 1952 as a way to promote farm safety.

The May 19 Courier reported 12 acres of corn had been planted in 750-ft. rows with another 25 acres as a practice area. The site also included an 80-acre parking and exhibit area, seeded with alfalfa and oats. 

Aug. 4, the Courier reported concern about hail damage from a June 19 storm and the hot winds and lack of rain during July, But plans for the contest moved forward.

The Sept. 22 Courier reported “both the high school and the college and academy students dismissed school – “the bands will be playing at the event and it will give the students opportunity to witness some of the proceedings.”

The Oct 6 Courier noted:

• A crowd of 10,000. 

• Attendance by S.D. Gov. Nils Boe,

• A shuttle-bus service between the site and downtown.

• 60 exhibitor booths

• 2 large food tents

• Temporary power and phone lines

• A 25-acre area landing field for the Flying Farmers; 29 planes were reported.

The contest included the following divisions/participants:

• 2-row picker: 9 

• Picker/Sheller: 2

• 2-combine: 8

• 4-row combine: 3

• Old-fashioned hand-picking: 5

On Oct, 13, the Courier reported 4,034 bushels were picked on 38 acres (including preparations for and during the contest) with an average yield of 106 bushels per acre at 33% moisture (84 bushels dry corn when adjusted for 15.5% moisture); it sold for 85¢ per bushel

In his editorial, Courier publisher Glenn Gering noted “the number of people who attended was among the largest ever at a South Dakota Corn Picking Contest (and) there were more contestants than other state contests.” He also praised the cooperation and coordination that went into hosting the contest.

Excerpts from the Oct. 7, 2009 issue of the Courier:

Despite frequent summer rains, Freeman’s Sixth Street Project was completed nearly a month ahead of schedule. But the weather proved to be too much for the community celebration of the project (and) moved the planned Friday afternoon celebration from the new roadway indoors to the old fire station at City Hall at noon the next day (Saturday, Oct. 3).

Designed to dovetail with the 2009 Freeman High School Homecoming Parade Friday, Oct. 2, rain forced the cancellation of the parade and the postponement of the Sixth Street Celebration.

Freeman Mayor Philip Svartoien called (the new Sixth Street) "an attractive gateway into Freeman." 

The $2.4 million project rebuilt, widened and lowered Sixth Street from Highway 81 west to Cherry, half-block north on Cherry and two blocks on Fifth Street west to Main. It included a new concrete roadway with curb and gutter, new storm sewer system, drainage field and two detention ponds to carry runoff north and west of town. A bike/walking path provides full pedestrian access to Highway 81; new lighting is to be installed this fall.

It began the last week of March (when) the entire roadway surface from Main Street to Highway 81 was removed. While the remaining roadbed served as a temporary surface providing local access, Sixth Street traffic was detoured to North Country Road until September.

Work on installing the storm sewer and lowering and widening the street began at Main and Fifth in early April, east to Cherry and south to Sixth. By early June, the portion that included Cherry and Fifth was complete and open to traffic. Paving of Sixth Street, done in several stages to provide access to businesses along the route, was completed by early August. Work then focused on the bike/walking path, approaches to the side streets, seeding the grass areas along the street, installing signs, etc., and the drainage system of ditches and detention ponds

The city received $709,000 in grants for the project. The balance is being financed using an $800,000 low-interest loan from the South Dakota Revolving Loan Fund and city reserves designated for the project.

Although Freeman Jr.-Sr. High School students began the 1975-96 school year in a new building on the south side of College Street, it wasn’t officially dedicated until a year later. Here are excerpts from the Sept. 29, 1976 issue of the Freeman Courier.

Kenny Haar and Jan Thomas were selected to reign over the 1976 Homecoming festivities Thursday (Sept. 23).

But on Friday afternoon (Sept. 24) a far-from-traditional ceremony dominated the

homecoming weekend. The new Freeman Junior Senior High School was

dedicated at an outdoor afternoon ceremony.

Rev. Virgil Gerig opened the ceremony with a thoughtful invocation … the VFW color guard presented a flag to representatives of Freeman High School Boys Staters, who raised the flag while the high school band played the National Anthem.

Superintendent Mudder expressed his thoughts on the new building, saying

that Freeman young people are worthy of adequate facilities. He pointed out that the school does not belong to only the students and faculty, but to the community.

Principal Ron Bennett explained that dedicating the building a year after it was put into use was appropriate, since it had taken that long for students, faculty and administration to … feel comfortable in the building. He called the new building “the biggest single effort put forth by our school district.”

Following the ceremony, the public was invited to tour the building. Students and faculty were present to lead tours and answer questions.

The Freeman Junior-Senior High School covers 40 acres, has 20 classrooms and accommodates 350 students. It features rooms designed for the study of industrial arts, chemistry and physics, biology, drama, homemaking, art, band and chorus. It also houses a library.

Addendum: Bennet’s comment that the school reflected “the biggest single effort” likely referenced the fact that it took four years and seven bond elections for the school to be built on 43 acres purchased in 1969. The May 22, 1973 approval of $600,000 in bonds for the project was the first step that gradually moved the entire campus from Third and Wipf to the new location; the elementary school was relocated there in 2007.

 Excerpts from the September 14, 1967 Courier:

A unique husband–wife team will provide a valuable addition to professional health services in Freeman when Dr. Leroy and Dr. Dawn Kaufman will open their office next Monday, September 18, for the practice of optometry. The office will be located next to William Tschetter’s Law Office (Main and Fourth) with the entrance (south side) across the street north of Eldon’s Implement (today Freeman Chiropractic Solutions). 

Leroy (a Freeman community native) and Dawn Crocker (who grew up in Maine native), met at optometry school (Indiana University).

“Why did you choose Freeman?” we asked. Dr. (Leroy) Kaufman answered that he feels Freeman is a progressive town that is growing. He added that Freeman has a strategic location for an optometry office as well as this service is not available elsewhere in the immediate area. He feels Freeman has good potential for future growth.

A husband-wife in business has many advantages, although in our community, it has not been common… Both have the same kind of training and hold the same degree. However, Mrs. Kaufman will work primarily with children and… contact lenses. Mr. Kaufman will work and do research particularly with vision problems related to people over 40 years of age.

Addendum.

While the practice began in the modest back room of the office with one exam room and one set of equipment, in 1972 the Kaufmans purchased the building and expanded to the front portion, with the entrance off of Main Street and operating as Kaufman Optometric Clinic. The business grew, and in 1983, they purchased the practice in Parkton and in 1987, the practice in Parker. The name was changed to Kaufman Eye Care.

In 2006, the Kaufmans sold the practice to Vision Care Associates.  They continued to practice during the transition before retiring in 2007. In 2009, Vision Care moved into a new office in the former sewing building on the north side of North County Road, remodeled by Dr. Jason Aanenson for his dental practice two years earlier. The brick building in which the Kaufmans began their practice at Fourth and Main was razed in 2020.

It’s unclear when the first car appeared in Freeman, but publisher J.J. Mendel reported this in the Sept. 10, 1908 issue of the Courier:

“So far, we had only two autos in town, one owned by A. Kautz and the other by Pete Tiesen. Dr. Wipf has purchased one lately while down in Sioux City and we are informed that our two bankers, J. M. Wollmann and A. J. Waltner, contemplate buying machines, and in view of this fact, it will not hurt to remind our auto people of the new law concerning autos. 

“No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public highway at a speed greater than is responsible or proper… in the closely built-up portion of a city, town or village at a greater rate than one mile in six minutes (10 mph) or elsewhere in a city or village at a greater rate than one mile in four minutes (15 mph) or elsewhere outside the city, town or village at a greater rate than 20 mph.

“Any person operating a motor vehicle shall, at a request or signal by putting up the hand from a person riding or driving upon the highway or upon land within 100 feet of the highway, bring such motor vehicle to a stop. 

“Or if such horse shows sign of fright, he shall (whenever signal is given or not) stop at once. And if traveling in the opposite direction, remain stationary, as long as may be reasonable, to allow such horse or animal to pass. 

“And if traveling in the same direction, use reasonable caution in passing such horse or animal, and the operator and occupants of any motor vehicle shall render necessary assistance to the party in charge of said horse or other draft animal in passing.”

In March 1960, Freeman citizens learned that regional post office officials had authorized construction of a new post office in Freeman. But the location was controversial; It moved the post office from Main Street, where it had been for 80 years, to the corner of Fifth and Poplar (the present location).

Like many residents, Courier editor and publisher J.J. Mendel felt the new location was a mistake and shared his views in the Sept. 1, 1960, issue of the Courier:

“The people of Freeman have a big question to decide and that is the location of the new Post Office building.

“But how can the public decide if they are not consulted. If a place of business is located, the owner picks the place that will be most handy for the customer to visit. If that was done with our Post Office location question, we would not have the least doubt our post office would be located on the corner north of the City Café (the southeast corner of Third and Main and today home of the EtCetera Shoppe). The lot is 50 x 140 feet and all know that is a big enough for the town of Freeman for many years. We live in a democracy and the P. O. Department should settle this question by (a public) vote or it would look like the tail is wagging the dog. The vote would locate our P.O. (on this) corner… the public would like it on account of the handy location.”

Addendum: Despite Mendel’s objections and public opinion favoring Main Street, the Oct. 13 issue of the Courier reported that groundbreaking and construction of the new post office would begin immediately at Fifth and Poplar, providing 1,713 square feet plus an outside loading platform with ample surface space for parking and truck maneuvering.

The Freeman Post Office was established March 15, 1880. Early post offices were always found in the business place of whoever was postmaster at the time; that was the case for the first three decades in Freeman. In 1916, the Post Office was moved into the building that today is home to Strawser Law Office, where it remained for more than four decades.

On Wednesday, Aug. 23, 1950, Freeman hosted the opening session of the triennial gathering of the General Conference Mennonite Church, an association of congregations in Canada, the U.S., and South America. Construction of Pioneer Hall had been completed just in time for the gathering, which ran through Aug. 30.

The previous week, the Freeman Courier announced, “It was decided to have the 1950 session … in the Mennonite Athens of South Dakota, and that is Freeman, and the meeting will be held in the new Pioneer Hall.

“People will come from almost every state in the union and (Freeman) is small for a gathering like that, but the rural communities will help take care with accommodations and homes of other denominations in the city are also opening their doors to the anticipated visitors. This reflects the friendly churches of this city. “

In the Aug. 31 Courier, editor J.J. Mendel offered a mix of reporting and opinion. Here are excerpts:

“Many important problems were discussed during the seven days in session here and they were busy days for the delegates from all parts of the United States and Canada.”

“A changeless Christ and a changing world makes church work very complicated, no matter how much is said and spent for education.”

“The people of this community, regardless of church denomination, tried their best to accommodate … and we are sure the visitors felt warm hospitality of the public.”

“Big gatherings of a different nature are apt to cause disturbances. But with a church group like this, or any other church group, the police force can take a long nap at noon and go home early in the evening.”

“The total registration was 1,367 without local visitors; 1,174 registered from out of state.”

Addendum. This was not the first time Freeman hosted a triennial gathering of the Mennonite General Conference on the campus. In 1923, a temporary wood tabernacle was erected south of the campus; Memorial Hall had not yet been built. And, as in 1950, a new building was erected just in time. The new gym (which later became the Tieszen Industrial Arts Building) served as the dining hall for conference guests in 1923.

J.J. Mendel, editor of the Courier from 1902 to 1960, was a community booster. Here’s an example from Aug. 16, 1917.

"If there is a man in our burg who has confidence in this town, it's the Sugar Bowl man. Recently he invested in a $700 popcorn machine that made some almost faint. Others thought it was a joke, but they all agree now that that's where you can get the real popcorn, the best you ever tasted. Nothing but the big, fluffy flakes of the best corn grown; crisp, crackling, clean, popped in a wonderful machine that automatically removes all burnt grains or "bachelors," and that butters every kernel just right. All without a touch of the hand."

The Sugar Bowl, a fruit and ice cream parlor, specialized in confections and other tasty treats. It was located on the site where the Freeman Courier and the north/entrance portion of the Freeman Public Library stand today.

Although the Sugar Bowl had a relatively short life in Freeman – it was open from 1914 to 1922 – it has a rich history.

We found some historical perspective, thanks to Mendel, in earlier issues.

May 7, 1914

"The Sugar Bowl will open for business on May 15. A. A. Waldner, the proprietor, deserves credit for putting up a neat place as that. He is just putting in a thousand-dollar iceless soda fountain and all the fixtures will be of the best kind."

May 13, 1920

"The Sugar Bowl likes to have the best in everything. The latest investment is an electric machine for extracting the juice from fresh oranges and lemons. It takes but a few seconds to do it."

Mendel also shared this sad news in the Jan. 26, 1922 issue:

"Four business buildings were destroyed by fire in Freeman Saturday morning. The fire was discovered a little before six in the room at the rear end of the Sugar Bowl in the north building. The room was used for a kitchen. The fire had barely started when the fire alarm was given and the firemen were on the ground in but a few minutes … But they were unable to get water because the five hydrants closest to the fire were frozen and had to be thawed first and after that was done, the conflagration couldn't be controlled anymore and all four buildings burned down to the foundation.”

On Aug. 14, 1903, the Freeman Town Board, meeting in special session, adopted an ordinance that governed pool and similar games within the town of Freeman.

It was published in the Aug. 20 issue of the Courier. We’ve gone through the “legalese” and highlighted some of the key elements. 

1. No one can have “billiard, pool, bagatelle, pigeon or any other table or implement in any public resort” without a license from the city.

2. The application to the city must be made in writing.

3. No license will be given to a minor.

4. The license fee is $2 per month and must be paid in advance.

5. Any license awarded has to be displayed in a conspicuous place and it cannot be transferred.

6. Windows and doors of the business must be unobstructed by anything that prevents a free view from the street.

7. All places where these games are allowed must be closed “on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday” and from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. In other words, they could be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. 

8. Minors are not allowed inside the establishment unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

9. Anyone who operates an establishment without a license is subject to a fine of at least $6 but not more than $50.

The published minutes noted that the ordinance passed on a split vote by the three-member board. M. Wollman and A.A. Wollman voted yes and Jno. Schamber voted no. There was no explanation of why Schamber voted no.

Excerpts from the August 6, 1997 issue of the Courier:

Generations from now, Freeman citizens will benefit from a project that was initiated just last month. 

With the acceptance of a challenge from the South Dakota Community Foundation, the Freeman Community Development Corporation is taking the first step toward starting a community foundation. 

The South Dakota Community Foundation will give a $50,000 grant to the Freeman Community Development Corporation if they can raise 100,000 by July 1, 2000. 

The money will go toward a community foundation which provides funds for community projects in the areas of economic development, human services, education, health and cultural programs. 

The fundraising committee is being organized by Freeman Community Development Coordinator Sharon Schamber. Every penny the committee raises will be given to the South Dakota Community Foundation to be invested along with funds from other community foundations. 

The Freeman Community Foundation will be able to collect 5% interest from the money as soon as it is invested. 

It will eventually replace itself and make more money. It keeps on giving you earned interest and it’s ongoing forever,” Schamber said. 

Addendum: By 1998, the Freeman Community Foundation met the funding challenge by raising more than $108,000. Combined with matches from SDCF and Merchants State Bank, the endowment began with nearly $160,000 and over the years has grown dramatically and provided significant funding for local projects since 2000.

Here are some current statistics from the Freeman (as of this spring 2026).

• $1.6M endowment 

• $546,000 in grants and scholarships

• 153 community projects supported since 2000

• Grants have ranged from $285 to $14,460 

• More than 50 local organizations have received grants

• 42 FCF Service Scholarships have been awarded to local high school graduates

Excerpts from the Freeman Courier Aug, 2, 2018:

A crowd four times the size of what organizers had planned for, flooded the grounds of the Freeman softball field late Saturday afternoon, July 28. It made the first-ever South Dakota Chislic Festival both an overwhelming success and a frustrating ordeal for those trying to manage the huge crowd — and some in the huge crowd who didn’t get any chislic and/or simply left. 

“It was beyond our wildest expectations,” said Joshua Hofer, the founder and chief organizer of the six-hour event that he says drew as many as 8,000 people from across the region and gave a fresh meaning to the “Field of Dreams” cliché, “If you build it, they will come.” 

Hofer said people were milling about as early as noon — four hours before the official (4 p.m.) start. The festival hit the 2,000-attendee mark less than an hour in and, by 5:30, the crowd had overtaken the grounds. Some who came to the festival left early and others, who after seeing the crowd, didn’t even bother to make entry. 

The softball field was packed with people hungry for chislic and thirsty for the craft beers being served nearby. That made for long lines and confusion over what lines went with what vendor. 

“We knew we could handle 1,500 to 2,000 in the space we had; 7,000 to 8,000 was another game,” Hofer said. “We were disappointed we couldn’t accommodate that kind of crowd — to provide a premiere experience for everyone. “We know people left frustrated; we just hope they hang with us … We have 10 months to process this and plan for the next one.” 

Addendum: Those plans for 2019 included moving the festival across town to the 40-acre Prairie Arboretum with much more space. Although 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic, the festival continued at the arboretum as an annual affair through 2025. It was then changed to an every-other-year event, scheduled to return in 2027.