The New Melle Festival started with Family Night on Thursday evening, June 8. Family Night includes many activities that are free with admission. Agri-Land by Straatman Feed is a big attraction. The baby farm animals are always a big hit. Straatmann Feed had chicks, and The Stull Farm of Foristell had lambs and goats that the kids and adults could pet and feed. The other big hit in Agri-Land is the Straatmann kiddie corn bin, which is always one of the favorites.

The magic show was on the main stage, and face painters and balloon artists were on hand to work their magic. The New Melle Fire District had its trucks on display along with the St. Charles Regional SWAT Team, St. Charles County’s Bomb Disposal Unit, a Police Helicopter that landed on the ball field and other presentations. Viking Elite sponsored a dunking booth to raise money for its baseball and softball programs at NMSR. It was a fun evening for the kids and parents; there was something for everyone.

The 4th Annual Little Miss and Mister Contest was held inside the NMSR hall, with a record turnout this year. Click here to read about the Little Miss and Mister Pageant. (Typically, Family Night admission is only $1 per person with a canned good donation!)

Family Night was just the beginning of the Festival; Friday night included the crowning of the Festival Queen, and Brushville played on the main stage. Click here to read about the New Melle Festival Queen Pageant.

Saturday kicked off with a parade through town; click here to read all about the parade. The baby contest was held in the hall at NMSR, a corn hole tournament, and Burnin’ Bridges was on the main stage.

Each night there were plenty of rides and games to play (available for purchase) along with plenty of food and drinks, including, for some, the ever-famous fried chicken gizzards and New Melle Well Water.

Thank you to everyone who had a hand in organizing and sponsoring the 70th New Melle Festival. A special thanks to those who have kept this remarkable tradition going for the past 70 years!

The police helicopter landed on the ball field and the pilots were
greeted on the field by Kyle Shell and members of the NMFPD.

Norah Clement (L) and Nina Branstetter (R) with the chicks in Straatmann Agri-Land.

Hazel Dvorak feeding the goats from The Stull Farm in Agri-Land.

Officer Heiland with the St. Charles Regional Swat Team,
along with Maggie McCoy (center) and Anniston Linneman, inspecting the SWAT vehicle.

Colton Westerfield was provided
the opportunity by the St. Charles
Regional SWAT team to wear and
inspect some gear and weapons
during the demonstrations. 

Abel Thompson is spending time in the Straatmann kiddie corn bin.

Viking Elite sponsored a dunking booth to raise money for the
softball and baseball programs.

Magic Show on the Main Stage during Family Night. 

Other photos from the Festival: