Sean Dengler.

Before farming, I used to work in the audio-visual field. This profession consisted of setting up screens, projectors, speakers, and anything else in that realm with different types of events and different clients. A college job was working at the UNI-Dome and McLeod Center helping set up events varying from sporting events to antique shows to concerts. Whether working at or attending various events, this has always been an enjoyable activity. Bringing people together from different walks of life to attend a community event is a worthwhile endeavor and part of the human condition.

Correlation does not mean causation, but the Winding Stairs Festival in Traer may have played a role in why events have been influential on my life. This wonderful event was and has been the delightful endcap to summer. As a kid, it was the last event before school started. This event also provided the chance to see others who I had not seen for most of the summer. This provides a similar experience for adults to cross paths with others who they have not seen in a while. This great community gathering event provides a chance for everyone to come together.

The varying activities from year to year make this event unique. There are many different intricacies to this event which I have never taken part in, but every little bit adds a different flavor to make it special. Other small-town festivals hit the same mark as the Winding Stairs Festival, but this festival has a special feel. Seeing reunion classes come together, even those without the magic ticket to the Memorial Building, is significant. This instills the importance of recognizing the community which raised many and helping protect and celebrate it.

It does not matter the time of the year. If someone tells me about plans which land on the second weekend of August, I know I will be at the Winding Stairs Festival on at least Saturday. For those who put on this event and the city of Traer for providing the space, thank you. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

The Winding Stairs Festival has influenced my life in many ways, and it is important to recognize that it continues to need the support of everyone. It provides the chance for those younger generations to enjoy and learn what this event is for the community. The Winding Stairs Festival means the world, and the world needs the Winding Stairs Festival.

Sean Dengler is a writer, comedian, now-retired beginning farmer, and host of the Pandaring Talk podcast who grew up on a farm between Traer and Dysart. You can reach him at sean.h.dengler@gmail.com.