Community Gathers for Annual Fall Fest

Main Street was closed to traffic Saturday, Oct. 4, as Fall Fest filled downtown with vendors, food, games, music, and a car show, with people moving between activities from morning through the evening.

The crowd grew busier around midday, with people pulling up chairs along Main Street to relax, watch the activity and visit with neighbors. As the sun went down, more younger people joined the crowd for the evening entertainment.

Fall Fest offered activities for a range of ages. Children could participate in the Tiger Egg Hunt, explore city vehicles during Touch-a-Truck, and watch firefighters and EMTs display their equipment. People also took part in the cornhole competition, axe throwing, and other activities.

Pioneer Communications hosted Safety Fest, offering a free hot dog feed, prize drawings, bicycle helmets, coloring books, and crayons for children.

The Fall Fest Car Show brought vehicles downtown, with registration costing $35 and prizes drawn every half hour. Among the cars on display were Denise James' red Coca-Cola car, which came from her parents, and Bud’s modified 1996 F-250.

Local organizations, businesses, and vendors lined the street throughout the day. Los Vaqueros Boots, Koehn's Country Gardens, Kaben Kandles, Tumbleweed Tea, Crust & Cleaver, and Uncle Ed's were among the vendors. The Cub Scouts sold popcorn, while the Knights of Columbus grilled food. Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital Volunteers, the Grant County Health Department, Pioneer Electric, Atmos Energy, Country View Baptist Church, and the Rotary Club were also represented.

The smell of funnel cake and grilled hot dogs wafted down the streets, with a beer garden and snacks at the movies available throughout the evening. At 7 p.m., Jake Gill took the stage as a crowd gathered around the gazebo, filling the area with music and chatter.

Sunny weather added to the warm and cheerful atmosphere as children, families, couples, retirees, business owners, and local workers gathered downtown. For many, the event offered a chance to catch up with friends, meet neighbors, and spend time together.