GALVA — A book launch party for “The Most Amazing Harvest: The Man Behind the Story,” a faith-based account of the life and legacy of local farmer Carl Bates, will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, beneath the mural in downtown Galva inspired by the story.

Activities along Route 34 at the corner of Exchange and Market streets will include music, food, and a book signing by co-authors Pam Bates and Paula Patty, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Galva.

“The Most Amazing Harvest” is a true story told from the perspective of Carl’s fictional guardian angel, Gus. It culminates with how, in September 2015, 40 area farmers and volunteers completed Carl’s harvest as he was in the final stages of a fight with metastatic cancer.

Pam Bates, Carl’s wife, and Paula Patty are identical twins. The book, reviewed on The Catholic Post’s Book Page in July, proved to be a faith-strengthening experience as well as a healing process for Pam. They hope the story teaches readers to live like Carl — selflessly, hopefully, and gratefully.

The launch party celebrates the Sept. 22 official release of the book by Morgan James Publishing.

The co-authors will also be present at Lagron-Miller in Peoria for a book signing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 3.