ERNTE FEST

Event Details

The Ernte Fest, which stands for "End of the Harvest," is held the third weekend of August in Freistatt, a small farming community southwest of Mt. Vernon. The Lions Club has sponsored this event since its inception in 1963 raising thousands of dollars annually for eye research and various local charities. This event draws thousands of people from across the four-state area.

The German festival serves Bratwurst and Sour Kraut as their specialty, along with apple strudel. There is a large beer garden where many people spend time socializing. You will find many of your friends dancing the polka to the German band. Need a rest? Try your luck while you relax in the bingo tent. For the kids there are children's games and a horse drawn merry-go-round.

Address : Freistatt, a small farming community southwest of Mt. Vernon. Mt. Vernon MO
Phone : 417-466-7654 (Always call and confirm events.)

Mt.Vernon Golf Course

Mt. Vernon's golf course features a nine-hole course, clubhouse, and golf cart rental and storage. There are a number of active leagues, including a senior men's league and Ladies' Golf Association.

Mt. Vernon, MO Recreation

Grave of the Old Shepherd

In his book, "Old Matt's View of It," J.K. Ross wrote about the death of the Old Shepherd from Mutton Hollow. He was gored to death by a bull. A Civil War tombstone marks the grave of James Marion Wood, who met this untimely fate in 1910

Mt. Vernon, MO Cemeteries

Lawrence County Courthouse

Built in 1900 of native limestone, this is the third courthouse on this site. A statue of Justice graces the top of this historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first courthouse was built of wood in 1846

Mt. Vernon, MO Historic Courthouses

Harold Bell Wright

Many know that Harold Bell Wright's, "Shepherd of the Hills" was the most widely read book of fiction in the history of publishing! Few know, however, that many of the places, events, and characters are based on actual models. There really was an "old shepherd of Mutton Hollow,&

Mt. Vernon, MO Famous People