ELY - Ely’s annual Harvest Moon Festival will feature a stunt dog show in celebration of the end-of-summer event’s 25th anniversary. Three days packed with art and craft booths, music and stage shows, pony rides with petting zoo and great food all happens Sept. 7-9 in Ely’s Whiteside Park.

“The Harvest Moon Festival is a juried art and craft festival and hosts a variety of original artisans and crafters,” said coordinator Ellen Cashman. “Included in the 125 art and craft booths are many scrumptious food options to choose from including Asian cuisine, gyros, specialty drinks, brats, hamburgers, barbecue, fries and cheese curds. You won’t want to miss your chance for a slice of the Kiwanis Club’s fresh baked blueberry pie – they sold out early during the Blueberry/Art Festival.”

On Saturday only. there will be a fall-themed farmers market, filled with baskets of chrysanthemums and fresh produce such as tomatoes, fresh dill, cucumbers and more. Try the artisan and ethnic breads, bagels and rolls, and Finnish baked goods such as tarts, cardamom bread, and apple strudel. “Take home some fresh Minnesota-grown eggs or meat such as beef, pork, chicken, lamb and goat,” Cashman said.

“We have three days of great entertainment,” she said. It all kicks off Friday with Timmy Haus, who performs a variety of genres from Paul Simon to Johnny Cash to Counting Crows and more. “A north woods’ solo artist with a spot-on voice, Haus has become a much sought-after Minnesota artist.” Haus will be on stage from 1–4 p.m.

“On Saturday we are introducing a new show, the ‘All-Star Stunt Dogs Challenge,’” Cashman said. “The world’s number one Stunt Dog Show features dogs that have been rescued from pounds and shelters. They will be performing awesome big air stunts, athletic feats and high-jumping challenges. There will be three, 30-minute shows each day with an opportunity after each show to meet and greet the pooches,” she said.

On Sunday the “All-Star Stunt Dogs Challenge” will return for three more shows. “We will also welcome one of Ely’s favorite singing groups. The Singing Slovenes, will be back for two performances. This non-profit group was formed to promote the Slovenian heritage through native costume and song,” Cashman said. The Singing Slovenes will perform from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Another Ely favorite for the kids, is Willow River Ranch. “They will be back with their awesome ponies Go for a pony ride all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While they are waiting to ride the kids can enjoy visiting the petting zoo and feeding the goats,” she said.

The weekend would not be complete without a refreshing beer. The Ely Jaycees will host a beer garden all three days so stop by, have a seat and enjoy a beer and conversation with friends.

The hours for the festival are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit ely.org event calendar for details or stop by the information booth in the center of the park for a listing of all the weekend’s entertainment.

The Harvest Moon Festival is sponsored by the Ely Chamber of Commerce Merchant Committee.