Marthasville Chamber President Larry Brewe admitted members have struggled for many years to come up with the right kind of festival to interest the community.

Known as Heritage Days for many years and held in October, this year the chamber decided to try to resurrect the mood of festivals held successfully years ago in Marthasville.

"We didn't just do it, we successfully did it," said Brewe. "Hopefully we can grow more for next year and bring back more of the agricultural displays and other activities. We have lots of ideas."

Organizers said the festival grounds were consistently busy with a variety of activities for all ages. Brewe said he estimated 1,000-1,200 on Saturday, with even more in attendance on Sunday when admission was free.

"This is more like a festival," said Chamber member Trei Irwin Sunday as people began arriving. "Everybody is really enjoying themselves."

Don Sherman, vice president and managing officer of the Marthasville Community Club, said he is ready to start planning next year's event. Sherman was instrumental in working with the Chamber to organize the festival. He was pleased with Saturday's sand volleyball tournament.

"This town is too small to be two different organizations," said Sherman. "It's time to work together for everyone's benefit."

Brewe said the tractor pull was also a success. He gives the credit to the Four Rivers Area Young Farmers for organizing the event.

"The turnout was great," he said. "It's just what we want to see. Some were watching the tractor pull, there were activities for the teenagers, and the youngsters were having fun in the play area."

One of the concerns for organizers was having enough activities for children. This year the ball diamond was the place to be. Children could eat popcorn, cotton candy, ride the barrel train, pet farm animals or play in the bounce house.

The highlight of Sunday's event was the annual parade. Floats, fire trucks, antique cars and tractors were just a few of the participants.

"There was an excellent crowd along the parade route," said Brewe.

Also a success this year was the historic tour sponsored by the Friends of Boone's Burial Place in Missouri. Four locations were available for touring - Wessel Park's La Charrette cabin, the Grabs Museum, the Griswold House and cemetery, and the Daniel Boone Monument and Bryan Cemetery.

Costumed interpreters were available at three of the sites. Cathie Schoppenhorst, who was one of the tour guides for the Griswold House, said more than 200 people visited the home of Harvey Griswold, built in 1843.

The home has not been occupied for many years, but piqued the interest of many. Bernardo Brunetti, owner of the home, invited the public to tour the house, fully restored to its original state.