Hinsdale Fall Festival

One month ago today...

Our American flag draped peacefully atop the Legion Monument on Sunday afternoon, as the sun shone through a green and golden canopy of leaves at Hinsdale's Fall Festival. Hinsdale and Saco school bands combined to kick off the event, followed by Codi Donniaquo's singing of our national anthem. Live music filled the air for three hours, including selections by two recently recorded artists: Mike Bain and Chisholm Christensen. The music added to the atmosphere as people roamed, shopped, played, and ate.

Children and adults alike participated in games. The balloon dart game proved to be a favorite for all ages, while chicken bingo held adults in suspense. The well-fed hen dropped on several squares before selecting a claimed number. Hinsdale students appreciate the opportunity to earn money for class activities each year, and most felt this year was a success.

For the shoppers in the crowd, Fall Festival vendors lined the park perimeter. People browsed clothing, home decor, housewares, and books. Handmade and custom items were some of the favorites.

Festival goers sampled deep-fried pickles and Oreos, fresh-made cotton candy, popcorn balls, and specialty drinks. Chili and cornbread provided the main course of the day; people chose from traditional chili or delicious chicken chili. Chili feed donations poured in from the crowd to support the family of Hinsdale graduate, Chateau (Christensen) Van Voast. Chateau and Clint Van Voast added precious little Clay Bowen to their family on July 25, and resided in Billings most of the summer and fall, awaiting Clay's heart surgery.

With baby Clay buckled in and brother Jack safely in the arms of loving grandparents, aunts and uncles, Clint and Chateau departed for Seattle on Friday, Nov. 4. Clay's heart surgery is planned for Wednesday, Nov. 9. The family expects to spend nearly a month in Seattle while doctors monitor Clay's progress.

The Van Voast family appreciates all of the support from northeastern Montana. Please continue to lift them in prayer as they navigate these days in Seattle and the unknowns of the journey ahead. We ask for the Lord's protection in travel and accommodations, wisdom in decision making, and, above all, healing of Clay's body.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Van Voast family by way of the Hinsdale Fall Festival! We look forward to seeing you again next year.