Theme of 2011 Hazelwood Harvestfest

Sept. 10 Pays Tribute to Man’s Best Friend

To celebrate the joy that canines bring to the lives of the young and old alike, the Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Division has chosen the theme of a “Tribute to Man’s Best Friend” for this year’s Hazelwood Harvestfest, on Saturday, Sept. 10.  The event will be held at Howdershell Park, at 6800 Howdershell Road, and next to Hazelwood’s Firehouse #2.

According to a 2007 survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are approximately 72.1 million owned dogs in the United States.  Four in ten (43 million) U.S. households own at least one dog.  The study also revealed that one-fourth (24%) of pet owners have two dogs, and 13% of them own three or more dogs.  In addition, nearly 20% of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter.

“Many of our Hazelwood residents are dog owners and recognize the benefits of having a canine in their household,” said Hazelwood

Mayor Matthew Robinson.   “Not only are

dogs good for improving children’s self-esteem because of the unconditional love they demonstrate to their masters, but also they can provide protection for family members as well as property.  Studies even show dogs can help the elderly overcome bouts of depression and loneliness.”

The Purina Incredible Dog Team will perform four shows, at 11:30 a.m., 1,3 and 5 p.m.  This high-flying team is comprised of more than eight trainers and 30 canines that travel across the country performing at halftime shows, on television programs, and at a variety of other public events.

Dogs on the team are in peak condition and perform amazing freestyle flying disc routines. The team stresses the “incredible” potential in every dog, which is reflected in a number of canine team members who were adopted from animal shelters and rescue groups across the country.

Parade Begins Early

The Harvestfest will begin with a parade that begins at Hazelwood City Hall, 415 Elm Grove Lane, at 9 a.m.  The best viewing areas for the parade can be found along Town and Country, Holiday, Imperial, and Village Square Drives.

Groups and organizations are invited to participate in the parade by decorating floats and automobiles that represent this year’s event theme.  In fact, designers of the preschoolers’ float have made plans to throw dog collar bracelets to the crowds of spectators along the street.  Residents interested in reserving a spot in the parade for their entry can pick-up an application form at either Hazelwood Community Center or Civic Center East.  Five cash prizes will be awarded to the best decorated/themed parade unit.  Deadline for submitting applications is September 1.

Music will be performed by the John Ford Highland Pipe Band and the Hazelwood West High School “Marching Wildcats.” After the parade ends, the bagpipers will roam around the park and play mini-concerts for the fair goers.

Miss Hazelwood

At 10:30 a.m., the reigning 2010 Miss Hazelwood Nikki Napolitano will host this year’s coronation ceremony on the stage of the St. Louis County Bandwagon located by the tennis courts.  To qualify as a participant, contestants must be young women between the ages of 15 and 19, as well as residents of Hazelwood.  A $500 scholarship and other prizes will be awarded to the new queen.

Children’s Activities

The Children’s Activity Area will feature an inflatable obstacle course, a giant dual slide, and a Jurassic Zoo Play area for younger kids.  An arts and crafts section will be set up inside the tennis courts where youngsters can get a stuffed, white autograph dog.  They can color it with markers or use decorations.

A petting zoo will be available from 10 a.m.-noon.  Free pony rides will be offered from 1-5 p.m.  The Home Run Derby, for kids age 7-12, begins at 11 a.m.

Another attraction added this year helps to promote and conserve the tradition of hunting.  The St. Louis Gateway Arch Chapter of Safari Club International is bringing its 28-foot trailer that showcases 50 mounts of wild animals for people to see up close and touch.  Kids can even have their picture taken standing next to a stuffed grizzly bear.

Horseshoe Tournaments

Two horseshoe tournaments will be held at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the horseshoe pits. The format will involve random draw partnering.  Registration for both events will begin a half-hour early.  Admission is free and open to people of all ages.  Trophies will be awarded to the top finishers.

Bingo Sessions

The Hazelnuts are sponsoring two Bingo sessions at noon and 2 p.m. underneath the new park pavilion.  Anyone can play.  Gift cards, small household items and snacks will be given away as prizes.

Non-Stop Rock

The headline band for this year is Nonstop Rock, which delivers a nine-piece Classic Rock experience performed by some of St. Louis’ best musicians.  According to La*De*Da Entertainment, Nonstop is the Top Shelf Classic Rock Band in St. Louis.  This group will perform from 2-6 p.m. on the stage of the St. Louis County Bandwagon.  Nonstop features the music of Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Blues Brothers, Bruce Springsteen and Aretha Franklin.  It also plays the popular hits of Motown, R&B, Southern Rock, Funk, Blues and Jazz which elevates their “live” performance to a whole new level of entertainment.

All Day Activities

Used Book Sale

The Hazelwood Community Enrichment Commission plans to host its annual used book sale under a big tent.  Fair goers can browse through hundreds of donated books in good condition and purchase them at a discount price. All proceeds will be used to purchase newspaper and magazine subscriptions for Hazelwood’s two recreation centers, to support the Commission’s “Reading is Elementary Program,” and to provide resources for the Garden Club.

Arts & Crafts Show &

Information Booths

An arts and crafts show will be ongoing on the north side of the park.  Also, an area will be set up for local companies to promote their products and services, as well as for charity groups to raise money with game or food booths.  To reserve a booth space for any of these activities, call the Parks and Recreation Office at (314) 731-0980.

City Services Tent

Since they were so popular last year, the Parks and Recreation staff will be giving away grocery tote bags with Hazelwood’s “H” logo printed on them.  Other items such as Frisbees, plastic bags used for pooper scoopers, and dog biscuits will be distributed as well.  The City Services Tent will also be the collection site for retired American flags.  Residents with faded or tattered flags can bring them to the tent throughout the day.  The collected flags will be given to the VFW for a proper disposal ceremony.

Community Service Opportunity

The Hazelwood Harvestfest is an excellent opportunity for area high school students to earn some of the Community Service time required for graduation.  Interested students should contact their high school community service coordinator or the Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Office at (314) 731-0980.

HAZELWOOD HARVESTFEST

“Tribute to Man’s Best Friend”

Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Howdershell Park

Activity & Entertainment Schedule

9 a.m.                                     Parade

10 a.m.                      John Ford Highland Pipe Band

10 a.m.-Noon           Petting Zoo

10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.        Horseshoe Tournaments

10:30 a.m.                             Miss Hazelwood Coronation

11 a.m.                                   Home Run Derby, Ages 7-12

Noon & 2 p.m.                      Free Bingo hosted by Hazelnuts

1-5 p.m.                                 Free Pony Rides

11:30, 1,3 & 5 p.m.              Purina Incredible Dog Team

2-6 p.m.                                NON STOP ROCK

All Day Activities

Book Sale • Arts & Crafts Show • Children’s Craft Area

Information Booths • Food & Game Booths • Tent Giveaways

Obstacle Course • Giant Dual Slide • Jurassic Zoo Play Area

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