Opening ceremonies held in r@!n

CRESCO - Rain was a four-letter word for the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest weekend, but that didn’t stop locals from celebrating Borlaug. The official beginning of NBHF was held at opening ceremonies, which were moved from Beadle Park to the Harvest Tent because of r@!n showers.

Howard County Business & Tourism Director Jason Passmore joked, “We’ve had really nice weather the past two weekends for celebrations — Lime Springs Sweet Corn Days and Protivin Czech Days.  If you need rain, contact the Chamber and we’ll schedule an event!” Several prior celebrations, including Cresco’s 150th, brought downpours to the area, as well.

Tom Spindler of Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation then explained how important Borlaug, along with other Iowans have been to agriculture. He mentioned Henry Wallace, who was born in Adair County, Iowa, and George Washington Carver, who attended Iowa State University.

“When Norman Borlaug was born in 1914, there were 1.6 billion people in the world. When he died in 2009, there were 6.6 billion. Now there are nearly eight billion.”

Borlaug knew there was only a finite percentage of land available for farming. Spindler said, “The only way to feed these people was to grow more crops. His mission was to feed as many people as possible.” Referring to the new mural dedicated to Borlaug, Spindler noted, “We look forward to continuing his legacy.”

Passmore then addressed the crowd, explaining it was his coworker, Spiff Slifka, who puts the pieces together for many projects coming out of the office.

“She comes up with an idea, and then finds the money to pay for it.”

Slifka said, “This mural exists because multiple leaders, business owners, organizations and individuals all saw the importance of three over-riding factors. One, the enhancement of the arts in our lives; two, the recognition of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s legacy and contribution to the world; and three, the importance of agriculture in our communities.

“This year will be the 51st anniversary of Norman receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, and it is our privilege and honor to dedicate this mural today, Aug. 27, 2021, honoring the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug and the importance of agriculture.”

Mural painter Robin Macomber then said, “Cresco has so much to be proud of. At times, the mural was daunting, because of knowing how important the project was. I gave you my best.” 

The crowd who braved the r@!n then went outside the tent to view the mural and applauded all involved.