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.)

"Brick" Presbyterian Church

The beautiful, stately, historic church, known familiarly as Brick Church because of its 17-inch thick brick walls, stands solidly in a picturesque setting of prairie land.

The church, organized in 1854 was built in 1872 to last as a house of praise to the Lord. Today'

Mt. Vernon, MO Historic Churches

Frisco Caboose and Visitor Center

Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce operates an office and visitor center at the start of the Ozark Mountain Parkway (Route 265)

Mt. Vernon, MO Railroad History

The 2nd "Old Jail"

The county's first log jail burned in 1854, and a brick structure was built on Walter Street a block west of the square. It is presently undergoing reconstruction for historical preservation. It was used until 1868, and had an original cost of $3,500.

Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer Life