MT. VERNON, ILLINOIS (WSIL) -- Organizers are excited for the return of Fall Fest this Friday and Saturday after last year's had to be canceled as a Covid precaution, and a new challenge this week is causing some changes.
The event celebrates the change of season and allows community members to spend time with each other while having some fun outdoors including:
- Cruise-in
- Parade
- Market place with vendors
- Pumpkin contest
- Kid and Teen zone - free laser tag, inflatables and games
- Beer and wine tent
- Fair foods
Angela Schrum, who is the聽Festivals Director for the city, says she and other organizers are just as excited for the festival as residents and visitors alike.
"We worked really hard last year to try and still have the festival, and we just couldn't safely do it. So there was a lot of disappointment on our end as well as from the general public," she recalls. "So it's just a relief to be able to have the festival. It's an outdoor event so we feel like people can socially distance and follow guidelines and do things safely.聽"
Another draw to the event is the LIVE entertainment. Friday is all about the rock music with Just for Spite and LAVA rock. Then Saturday, the genre is country music where The Teddy LaMaster Band, Wolfe Nation and Drew Baldridge will take the stage and perform.
Drew Baldridge performing at Fall Fest in 2016
Schrum says Baldridge drew a crowd in 2016 since he's a Nashville-recording artist from southern Illinois, and his show is expected to be another highlight this year.
"You may have heard of "She's Somebody's Daughter" is the popular one right now," she explains. "Last year, it was "Senior Year," so we're really excited. Drew is originally from Patoka and he's heading back to do a free concert here in Mt. Vernon.
Festival organizers have had some hurdles pop up as the City reported a building that houses the Antioch International Assembly dangerous and dilapidated.聽The building stands in an area usually reserved for the festival's market place where vendors and shoppers line the streets.聽
RELATED:
Schrum says city engineers and first responders include police and fire acted fast to make the area safe and block it off.
"I just want to do a shout out to them because they are amazing because they work so hard and know exactly what they're doing," she states. "Of course they put public safety first."
That area will remain blocked off until the building can be demolished.聽All Fall Festival activities are still taking place but the market place and cruise-in have just shifted to a nearby location as a precauation:
- Vendors: Jordan Street between Joe鈥檚 Pizza and 7th Street
- Cruise-in: Jordan Street between 10th Street and 12th Street
The festival is taking place on Friday, September 24th from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, September 25th from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The kid and teen zone, parking, and admission are all free.聽
For more information, .
