As the Orion Fall Festival returns this weekend, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the rich history of community celebrations in Orion. While the Fall Festival has become a beloved annual tradition, it was preceded by another significant event: the Mid-West Corn Show, which once brought together Orion’s community in a shared celebration of agricultural achievements.
The Mid-West Corn Show: A Legacy of Agricultural Pride
The idea for the Mid-West Corn Show was formulated at a meeting held on August 29, 1947, where representatives of the American Legion and local business leaders came together and decided to plan a two-day Corn Festival. This meeting laid the groundwork for what would become the Mid-West Corn Show, held on October 10-11, 1947 (A History of Western Township, p. 93).
The event quickly grew in scope, attracting an estimated 20,000 visitors in its first year alone. The corn show itself was a centerpiece, with 255 entries, making it a standout event in its field. Participants were required to submit 10 ears of corn for judging, and the high quality of the entries required more than six hours for the judges to evaluate. The first-place prize was a 550-pound Club Calf, donated by Thompson Motor Co. of Orion, highlighting the event’s commitment to agricultural excellence. (The Orion Times, Oct. 9, 1947, p. 1).
In addition to the corn exhibit, the festival featured a vibrant parade, band concerts, vaudeville acts, and a grand prize drawing. The grand prize in this drawing was a Farmall Model-H Tractor with a Mounted Corn Picker, adding a spectacular highlight to the event. The festival’s success was a testament to the community’s dedication and cooperation.
The Orion Times noted that the corn show “was larger than any other held in the United States,” with only the International Corn Show in Toronto coming close in scale (Oct. 16, 1947, p. 1). The Mid-West Corn Show was “a testimonial of what can be accomplished in any community when everybody cooperates” (A History of Western Township, p. 93).
In the spirit of community cooperation, local stores adjusted their hours for the event. On Friday, all stores except restaurants and oil stations closed at noon, reopening later that day, while Saturday saw stores closing early at 8:00 PM. (The Orion Times, Oct. 9, 1947, p. 1). This gesture underscored the town’s collective commitment to celebrating the festival.
Despite its success, the Mid-West Corn Show faced challenges in maintaining its momentum. In 1956, a decision was made not to hold the event due to insufficient volunteer support and enthusiasm. The general chairman at the time, Floyd Mitton, noted the poor turnout at planning meetings and concluded that staging a show of inferior quality was not desirable. Although the Corn Show was planned for that year, it was ultimately not held and did not return in subsequent years. This marked the end of the Corn Show’s run as the community transitioned to new forms of celebration (The Orion Times, Aug. 23, 1956, p. 1).
The Blind Benefit: The Genesis of the Orion Fall Festival
In 1972, the Orion community found a new cause to rally around—the Orion Regional Blind Benefit. Unlike the Corn Show, which focused on agriculture, the Blind Benefit aimed to raise funds for local individuals with visual impairments. Organized by the Orion Lions Club, the first benefit was held on September 22-23, 1972, and included a pancake breakfast, carnival games, a turkey shoot, an auction, a street dance, and more (The Orion Times, Aug. 10, 1972, p. 1). The event was a huge success, raising $8,300—well above the initial goal of $5,000—with most of the funds going towards treatment and assistance for local visually impaired individuals (The Orion Times, Aug. 30, 1973, p. 1).
Encouraged by the success of the Blind Benefit, a new annual tradition was established. In 1973, the Orion Fall Festival was born, with proceeds supporting both the Blind Benefit Fund and the development of Orion’s Love Park. The festival featured a parade, a championship tractor pull, barbecue dinners, a horse show, and even a circus. The Fall Festival quickly became an annual highlight for the community, embodying the same spirit of cooperation and celebration that had made the Mid-West Corn Show so special.
A Weekend of Fun and Community Spirit
This weekend, August 30th - Sept. 2nd, 2024, the Orion Fall Festival continues its tradition of bringing the community together. The festival offers a variety of activities, including carnival rides, arts and crafts tents, live music, and delicious food. Highlights include a parade, a Bike/Hike4Sight event, and various fun runs. The festival also features a range of contests and games for all ages, providing entertainment and excitement for everyone who attends.
The Fall Festival is a perfect way to celebrate Labor Day weekend and marks a joyful transition into the fall season. With kids recently returning to school, the festival offers a delightful opportunity for families to reconnect and enjoy various activities before the summer fades. It’s a time to come together, celebrate the end of summer, and embrace the upcoming season with a sense of community and tradition. As the festival evolves each year, it remains a cherished event that reflects the heart and spirit of Orion, ensuring that the fun and camaraderie continue for future generations.
Coming Together for a Greater Cause
Beyond the fun and festivities, the Orion Fall Festival serves a greater purpose. Funds raised during the event are returned to the community within the Orion School District, helping individuals with medical needs and supporting various public projects. Since 1972, the festival has raised nearly $945,000, a testament to the generosity and commitment of Orion’s residents.
As you enjoy the festivities this weekend, take a moment to reflect on the rich history that has shaped this event. From the agricultural pride of the Mid-West Corn Show to the charitable spirit of the Fall Festival, Orion’s community celebrations are a testament to the enduring power of coming together for a common cause. Whether you’re attending for the parade, the pork chop dinner, or just to soak in the festive atmosphere, the Orion Fall Festival is a reminder that when a community comes together, it can achieve something truly special.