September 6, 2008
This was a hot day in September! It was +30 C in the shade. It is certain this day set a record for high temperature in September. In spite of the heat, all 15 districts of the region arrived to participate the festival, to honor the farmers of Stolin.
Autumn flowers to the War Memorial by the city park - a tribute to the liberators of Stolin. Stolin was liberated by Soviet troops in July 1944.
The parade of peasants.
The guests from Baranovichi District.
The guests from Luninets District.
After the opening parade everyone could relax.
Right in the city center: A reenactment of medieval tournaments.
A young knight in the armour of the past showed his combat skills. The combat attracted attention of passers-by; many snapped photos.
The central and longest street of Stolin is Sovietskaya. This was the main venue of the festival.
A delta-winged hang-glider appeared to hover above the roof of the former bakery which was converted into a residence house many years ago. Note the chimney at the corner. This is the only house in Stolin with chimneys at the corners.
The old fire station stood on this spot before the redevelopment project completed this year.
The first fountain in Stolin was built for this festival. It has become the main attraction in the town center. Lenin Street meets Sovietskaya Street at this point.
The results of the 2008 town redevelopment are very clear at the center of Stolin: The town was dramatically changed in time for the Harvest Festival.
The Goryn Hotel was also renovated.
It is located on Lenin Street, near the fountain.
Lenin Street. The department store after the recent reconstruction (2008).
Opposite the department store: A purely ornamental statue -- not a monument.
Gorky Street. Another festival venue. Gorky Street meets Lenin Street here by the department store.
The cinema in Lenin Street was renovated as well.
The nearby amusement park is a must for kids.
At the intersection of Lenin and Dzerzinsky Streets.
Would a festival be complete without a lottery? The main prize on display.
Today only on sidewalks of Sovietskaya Street massive hexagonal slabs of "trylinka" can be seen. Till 2008 the road was paved with the blocks. Today most of the street is now paved with asphalt.
These ladies offer local hospitality: Welcome to our log cabin!, they say to visitors.
Sovietskaya Street. A concert in the open air in front of School No 1.
A passerby enjoys herself in the House of District Administration Square.
This was the main venue for a day.
Sovietskaya Street, at the City Park.
The festival's main concert was given in the park on the football pitch.
Look: The stage is flanked by two combine harvesters.
These ladies offer straw toys, a local speciality.
In the city park, a concert on the new stage in the shape of a shell.
Also in the city park: The newly-renovated indoors sport hall.
A booth offered by the nearby town of David Gorodok
on the bank of the Kopanets River.
Left: A display of fish, mostly carp, from local fish-breeding farms.
A view of Mankovichy Park in the distance.
It was a remarkable festival indeed!
Despite the heat the event was a complete success! I was thrilled to take hundreds of pictures.
I have chosen the most memorable moments of the festival for you. I hope you enjoy seeing the pictures and the festival.
