If you haven’t already, it’s time to start practicing around the house, down the hallway at work, or in the parking lot of the grocery store for this year’s three-legged (and four-legged!) races.  We’ll see if the men can pull a repeat win over the teenage boys this year in our annual Tug-o-War (or was it the other way around?) and cheer on any toddlers who manage to hold on to the rope for the actual tugging…..parents remember to be close on hand to scoop up any little ones that may get tugged off their feet!!

This year’s strong man contest will be our first ever “Pumpkin Put” (i.e. shot put with a mini pumpkin) - the winner will not only be decided on by distance, but by accuracy and form.  So pull up those youtube videos and head outside to practice…..your neighbors won’t be watching, but if they are, invite them to come watch you at Heidelfest!

Hi everyone!

We’re looking forward to seeing all of you and hope to see some new faces this year!  For those who have not attended Heidelfest before, you may be hearing some not-so-subtle reminders to come prepared for rain.  As tradition would have it, Heidelfest has arrived with lots of rain for the past three years – whether it be one long, continuous showering or a smattering of utter downpour.  So, while we may get soaked, we’re prepared to have a blast no matter what the conditions, and if the weather turns out to be beautiful come September 24th, well then, we’ll have all the more reason to celebrate!

Especially for those coming with children, here is a list of helpful items to bring:
1) A hungry – but not starving – stomach!  As always, there will be plenty of food and snacks, but with the event starting at 1pm this year, be sure to have some lunch first!  Dinner will be served at 5pm.
2) A good pair of shoes, and rainboots if you have them.  Freed farm boasts over 30 acres and there will be lots of activities happening throughout.  Even if the forecast calls for sun that day, if there has been lots of rain leading up to it the grounds may be a little soggy, so please plan accordingly and bring extra socks for those little ones that like to tromp around in the puddles!
3) Sweatshirts/raincoats.  With the sun going down earlier and the event being all outdoors, expect it to get a littly chilly, particularly as dinnertime approaches.
4) Strollers/wagons.  While parking is available directly next to the farm, those with young children should bring strollers for the walk to and from the car, and also to pack any additional items (blankets, booster seat, diapers, etc).  Also, there will be port-a-potties available, as well as a covered table for changing diapers.
5) Baby carriers/backpacks.  Those with infants or crawling babies, this is the perfect place to pull out those baby carriers, backpacks and slings to provide them with a safe and warm lookout place to enjoy the festivities.  Don’t have one?  Don’t worry!  There will be PLENTY of loving arms to help take that cute baby off your hands for a minute (or hour….or two).
6) Towels and any other extra clothing.  When kids are having fun and running around with their friends, it is amazing to see just how muddy and wet they can get!  Bring some extra clothes if you think they’ll need it, and/or a towel for wiping down wet hands and faces.
7) Cash.  As noted by the “suggested donation”, no money is required for attending Heidelfest.  All food and beverages will be provided to everyone free of charge, but if you would like to check out the goods on sale at the Trinity Marketplace booth, then come ready to spend a few dollars (or more) that will go directly to Care Net of Puget Sound.
8) Camera.  Who doesn’t want to take a few pictures of people agonizing over tug-o-war, little kids with crowns and facepaint, let alone all of the incredible food?
9) A copy of this year’s schedule. We’ll have a few posted in different areas, but if you’re an ultra planner, then feel free to click on the schedule at the front of the site and print out a copy of the schedule to bring with you.  You’ll be glad to know exactly when that four-legged race will be happening!
10) Flashlight.  If you plan to stay late, a flashlight might be handy for gathering up all of those items you don’t want ending up in the elusive “lost and found”, and to ensure a safe walk back to your car.

Of course, we’ll be checking the forecast closely and updating this list as needed – for all we know, it might be 80 degrees and sunny, and you’ll be bummed that you forgot your sunscreen and flip flops.

Heidelfest veterans, please chime in and add any other helpful tips in the comments!!

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, the Vigilantes of Easter’s Eve are a ragamuffin outfit of bluegrass and roots musicians playing an array of traditional and homegrown tunes. They were formed in Spring of 2011 in an effort to entertain friends and family at an Easter Vigil service, but once the picking began it became infectious and they’ve not found a cure. You can find them on each others porches during summer nights, trying out new instruments, old tunes and pulling in the attention of neighbors in the northwest, or every so often at special celebratory events. This year they are happy to play and sing their not-so-lonesome harmonies for you at Heidelfest 2011. 

We’ve begun planning for Heidelfest 2011. It’s occurring on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at the Freed Farm in Bothell, WA.

You can register and get directions.