Local Festivals: The Heartbeat of Communities

From the taste of cotton candy to the march of a parade, there's a unique magic in every community festival. Travel across the country, and you'll find that while many festivals have a lot in common, they also serve their communities in very specific ways. Beyond the food, sights and sounds, community festivals tell a story of people coming together.

Across the nation, festivals are vital for fostering community connections, boosting local economies and celebrating local heritage. Not only do festivals create a sense of pride and belonging, but they also attract visitors, generating tourism revenue that supports local businesses. Through these gatherings, communities can preserve their cultural heritage while also building new traditions and fostering shared memories.

The Norborne Soybean Festival, Hayward Musky Festival and Roseau Fall Harvest Festival all exemplify the value local festivals provide towns. Each of these festivals embodies the power of community gatherings, from drawing in thousands of visitors who contribute to local commerce to preserving traditions that might otherwise fade over time. By looking closely at these examples, we can see firsthand the positive impacts festivals have on their communities and understand why they are so important.

A Celebration of Community in Norborne

Each year, just as the summer nights get shorter, Norborne, Missouri, comes alive for the Norborne Soybean Festival, a cherished celebration of community and agriculture. The weekend is full of parades, competitions, games, rides and food. But it's not just about the soybeans or the rides or the music — it's about Norborne itself, its people, its past, and its hope for the future. The festival is a celebration of community, of togetherness and of tradition.

"Norborne shares a deep-rooted passion for preserving and celebrating our community's spirit and unity," said Kyle Durham, organizer of the Norborne Soybean Festival. "Every year, we watch this festival bring our community together. When we spend time together, we get stronger."

Strengthening the Economy and Culture in Hayward

In Hayward, Wisconsin, the Musky Festival is a beloved annual event that celebrates the region's rich fishing heritage, particularly its reputation as a premier destination for musky fishing. Held each summer in the heart of Hayward, the festival draws locals and visitors alike for a weekend of fun, food and festivities centered around the famed freshwater fish, the muskellunge (commonly known as the musky).

"The Musky Festival plays a vital role in boosting the local economy by attracting visitors, supporting local vendors and promoting regional businesses," said Chris Ruckdaschel, Executive Director, Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce. "What may seem like just a fun festival, actually has a huge economic impact on our town. Everyone benefits when we come together."

Honoring the Past in Roseau

Across the border in Roseau, Minnesota, the Fall Harvest Festival is an annual celebration that brings the community together to mark the end of the harvest season and the onset of autumn. Rooted in the town's rich agricultural traditions, this celebration showcases local culture, community spirit and the hardworking ethos of the region. As the festival continues to thrive, it plays a vital role in preserving the area's history and ensuring that future generations can appreciate the heritage of this hardworking community.

"We have a lot of pride for Roseau. We also have a passion for preserving and remembering the history of Roseau," said Sinnamon Krings, Roseau Promotions Director. "The Fall Harvest Festival is a chance for the community to come together, remember our roots and celebrate the traditions that have shaped Roseau."

More than a Festival

The heart of a community festival isn't just in the attractions but in the stories shared between neighbors and friends who meet at the same corner year after year. For Norborne, Hayward and Roseau, their local festivals foster community connections, boost their economies, and preserve their local heritage.

How the Cenex^® Brand is Supporting Local Festivals

To support these festivals and celebrate all they do to create stronger community connections, Cenex^®, the energy brand of CHS Inc., has launched year two of Hometown Throwdown; a contest encouraging local pride by asking individuals and organizations to share what makes their hometown festival unique. The entry period for the competition is open now through February 7, 2025. Individuals and organizations can nominate their festivals online through the Hometown Throwdown online entry form. Once the entry period has closed, five finalists will be announced on May 1, 2025, and voting will open May 1 through May 31, 2025. The grand prize winner and four other prize winners will be picked after voting closes in accordance with the rules and will be announced on June 17, 2025. The grand prize winner will receive $100,000, the runner-up will take home $20,000, third place will be awarded $15,000, fourth place will receive $10,000 and the fifth-place winner will take home $5,000.

Visit CenexHometownThrowdown.com for more information.