Saxon-Gurney Community Presbyterian Church celebrates Harvest Festival

SAXON, Wis. — People had their paddles in hand for the annual Harvest Festival auction, sponsored by the Saxon-Gurney Community Presbyterian Church, Saturday.

More than 50 people bid on a variety of items, with proceeds benefiting the church. The event also included raffles, food and items for sale, including homemade Christmas ornaments.

According to church member Diana Norman, the event started many years ago, and moved from Gurney to Saxon in 1956.

“The event started in Gurney because of the potato crops,” Norman said. “It was a way to celebrate the harvest.”

After the churches in Saxon and Gurney combined, the event was moved to the basement of the old Saxon School. In 1958, the church was built on the corner of Mill Street and Wisconsin 122 in Saxon and the event was moved there.

However, the event became too big and was moved to the community center, where it continues to take place every fall.

The event itself hasn’t changed much over the years, just the items for auction, said Norman.

“Before, it was really craft-heavy,” Norman said. “We used to have a lot of arts and crafts, but now we include more gift certificates and items from local businesses.”

Attendees placed bids on a variety of items, including homemade wines, fresh produce, tools, bicycles, wooden items, gift certificates, toys and homemade pies and desserts.

“It’s a fun, traditional event, which is different from other events in the area,” Norman said. “It’s a good, old-time auction.”

The auction is the biggest fundraiser for the church and is “very necessary,” said Norman.

“We really need this event every year,” Norman said. “It gives us that extra push to keep going.”

As for next year, the event will be back again.

“Come on out and see what we’ve got,” Norman said. “We’re very grateful to everyone who donates and it is a really fun event and a good time. We hope to see more people next year.”