75 festivals, 75 degrees in Miller

The Miller Fall Festival hit Main Street for the 75th time in a row last weekend. The three-quarters-of-a-century milestone occurred Aug. 28-30. Many traditions have remained the same throughout the fair from the kiddie games to the parade that runs through town, to the “world famous” fish sandwich, which has continued with the same family for generations.
    The theme for this year’s fair was “Diamond in the Rough” to commemorate 75 festivals, which was mostly noticed in the parade and on the festival T-shirt. This was the 75th festival, the weather was 75 degrees the first day, and there were 75 kiddos who participated in the kiddie games.
    Ten rides landed on the street along with games and craft booths. Even though the tradition of the fair has continued there was something that looked very different this year. Live music has always been performed on the Miller bandstand during the Miller Lions Club sponsored event. This year, however, there was a stage placed adjacent to the bandstand for the musical numbers to be played. Due to safety concerns the bandstand stage was not used, which led to the trailered stage. Parts of the bandstand are said to be over 90 years old and are in need of repair. The bandstand has been the center of many events including the hootenanny, the festival, auctions and even a wedding.
    Even though many traditions have survived over the years, some aspects of the fair are long gone. One fairgoer was happy to recount his stories of how he remembered the fair in the early years. He spoke most highly of the games, recalling when a person could win cigarettes, a pack of gum, and his favorite was the “Dish Dime” game, where a person could win a dish for a dime. He said that is how he and his wife were able to afford their first set of dishes as a married couple.
    Change is inevitable, and the bygone festivals are well in the rear view. Change is difficult, beautiful and the heartbeat of growth. Change was more noticeable at the 75th annual Miller Fall Festival thanks to a stage. Just like their theme, a diamond only becomes a diamond through change.