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.)

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

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

The 3rd "Old Jail"

This imposing structure on the north side of the square was built at a cost of $16,000 in 1874 (two years before Custer's Last Stand)

Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer Life

Big Spring

When the Moore family first settled there, there were Indian camps all along the bottom land. This spring puts out up to 13 million gallons of water a day, and has been a popular family picnic site for over a hundred years. It is located just beyond Rebel's Bluff and Old Shepherd'

Mt. Vernon, MO Archaeology