About Us

Planting the Seed

Harvest Festival began as an effort to provide the Olivia area with a Fall event that focused on bringing our communities together. As our plan for the event unfolded, we had to make some major decisions as to its location and theme, which brought us to the American Legion lot, on the west end of town.  Someone once said, it takes a village to raise a child; and the same philosophy can be  applied to planning and executing a festival.  Our small group  worked day and night to piece together the framework. Then, after reaching out to family, friends, and community members, our group of festival planners expanded  to include a long list of volunteers, workers, and additional planners that make this event possible.  And without a doubt...it definitely does take a village to put together Olivia's Harvest Festival! 

With the plan in place, we needed quick funding to make this happen in a matter of weeks; that meant asking for donations. Our group took the next step and reached out to local businesses for funding and event workers. This was a key component. Every business that we reached out to was more than generous with their time, talents, and donations. It was then, that we realized; without their help, we wouldn't be able to fund the event. This revelation moved our focus from just celebrating community to also celebrating the businesses and organizations that keep our small community alive. 

Finding a Needle in a Haystack

With funding underway and the location finally secured; our initial group of planners had many great ideas on what theme would be appropriate for Our Harvest Festival. But, it also needed to be a fun and engaging theme that would appeal to all ages.  Then, a witty community member suggested we use an acronym, instead of trying to decide which theme was best,... and the H.O.B.O. Days theme was born. 

H.O.B.O. is an acronym for Honoring Our Businesses & Organizations, which is exactly what we plan to do at the Harvest Festival! 

Other themed days came about as we worked with groups that also have events planned that week. 

Shop Local

Please help celebrate all of our area businesses and organizations that donate to local sports teams, boosters clubs, church raffles, scouts, community groups, and more.   Without their generosity; many community and school events might be lost, due to lack of funding.  Join us the third weekend in September with live entertainment, delicious food and fun activities that are sure to entertain all ages, as we celebrate local businesses & organizations, our community, and  Harvest Festival 2023!