HUMBOLDT — Biblesta committee chair members expect the 2012 parade and festival will live up to its reputation for its 55th year.
Shirley Fisher, head of the committee for the third year, said the people of Humboldt have been working hard to make this year’s celebration better than ever. Fisher said the committee has added a youth area, inflatable play areas and petting zoo in recent years, which has added to the atmosphere of Biblesta.
This year Humboldt officials have reworked the electrical connections in the town square, including the pavilion and street lights. Fisher said the Downtown Action Team has refurbished the floor and ceiling of the pavilion, making the area more accessible for “Biblesta After Dark” — a program meant to cater to teens and young adults.
Fisher said she expects festival attendance to exceed past years, with 13 floats participating in the parade.
“The last few years have been huge, probably 3,000 to 5,000 people,” Fisher said. “This year, the square will be packed from all sides.”
Carollyn Burnett, a sixth-year committee member, said cooperation from the city of Humboldt and generous donations from local organizations and businesses have been key to the success of Biblesta in the past. The festival is run for free by local churches and depends heavily on volunteer support.
“Local businesses and people donate to support Biblesta,” Burnett said. “We try to be good stewards of the money we are given.”
She said entertainment for this year will range from contemporary Christian bands and church choirs to school marching bands and a magician.
Fisher said the town of Humboldt sees visitors from across several counties for the first Saturday of October, as well as people from neighboring states. She said the town benefits from the increase in traffic, bringing revenue to local shops and restaurants.
“Anytime you honor God, you honor the place,” Fisher said. “Humboldt is truly blessed.”
According to Burnett, Biblesta is the only bible-themed parade in the United States. However, Burnett said while churches are the major influence for the parade and programs, many other aspects of the community are involved as well. The Rotary club, school bands, local businesses and the city of Humboldt are all involved in the logistics of running the event. She said the city provides security during the events, as well as assistance with traffic and blocking roads for the parade.
Joe Johnson, assistant parade manager, said the committee of eight has been working since early January. He said the week is exhausting for everyone involved with the planning and much-needed recuperation is essential afterward. He said the final product and the benefit to the community is worth the effort.
“It’s really a team atmosphere,” Johnson said. “Anytime you spread the gospel, it brings the community together.”
Fisher said volunteers have been working on floats through the month of September. The volunteers will begin to assemble their floats at 10 a.m. Saturday, the parade begins at 1:30 p.m.
The Biblesta festival was started in 1958 by Dr. Arthur Carlson with the goal to provide a family-friendly celebration that would include the entire community.
