Since 2013, The people of Van Meter have held a day long festival in the month of September presenting "The Visitor of Van Meter." This year on September 28th, the town will be "celebrating" the strange legend from long ago in Van Meter, Iowa.
It all started in 1903, when several of Van Meter’s most well respected citizens reported seeing a half human, half animal creature with enormous bat wings flying around the town throughout the week. The people of Van Meter said it traveled at rates of speed they had never seen, let off a powerful stench and shot a blinding light from its horned head. Though they shot their guns at it, the creature was not affected. The creature had been seen by many reputable townspeople, including the town doctor and bank cashier, the local high school teacher and countless other people. The creature, which the townsfolk thought to be a demon, terrorized the town for several days until a group of citizens got together with their guns, and chased the creature into a nearby mine, where it disappeared, never to be seen again.
1. Do you believe that the visitor of Van Meter should be celebrated?
I think that they "celebrate" the festival because it probably gets more people coming to the town, and helps the economy as well.
2. Have you ever came across similar stories like this that have happened in Iowa? (or other surrounding states.)
I personally haven't heard any similer stories like this before, but I have heard of a few "scary" stories from Iowa.
Replies
Interesting story and well done overall Megan. Be sure to rephrase your questions so they aren't yes/no next time.
I agree and think it helps with the economy. I haven't heard any stories like this either and I think they are interresting and would probaly like to learn more.
In a small town, there isn't much excitement going on in the first place. If some demon thing came to Harlan I would pass down the story to my great grandkids. I have heard stories of there being a bigfoot on the southeast corner of Iowa, I am not sure if they are real.
If something came like that to Harlan, I would also tell my relatives, and pass it down to other family members.
I think just to boost the towns growth and visitors the festival would be a good idea, however I'm not sure what you would exactly celebrate.
No, I have heard some "ghost" stories but they are usually fake and exaggerated. But I have never heard of something this scary or strange.
I also believe that it might just be to attract visitors and stimulate the economy.
Yes because is a tradition they have and if they don't do it anymore it will disspear and new generations won't know the traditions that they used to celebrate in their town . not really i have never came across with stories similar to the visitor of van meter in the surroading states and towns.
I also believe that it is kind of a tradition by now, and if they don't do it anymore people will just forget about the legend.
Well yea if the town thinks it is something that they dont want to forget and that makes them known for something. No we kinda live in a dead down with nothing to do and nothing fun happens here.
I agree that they should'nt forget what happened over 100 years ago. It is a part of their history and it makes them known for something.
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