Published: October 08, 2008 09:47 am         

Fulton Fall Fest features new events

FULTON, Ill. — Fulton’s Fall Festival will have several new activities this year as part of making the community event bigger and better.

In order to accommodate these new events, the hours of the festival have been extended by two hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. New events include a small arts and crafts show, a hay bale maze, a two-mile run/walk, a Mark Twain impersonator and a public safety day program. Due to the extended hours, another popular entertainment act, The One Hat Band, will perform from 2 to 4 p.m.

For its debut year, the arts and crafts show will be small, but there are several quality artisans that will feature their unique handmade items. The show will be located on 11th Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets.

The Hay Bale Maze, sponsored by Second Reformed Church youth group, will be located at the corner of 10th Avenue and Third Street. The cost to go through the maze is $1 and several prizes will be available. The hay is donated by Wherry Bros. Farms.

The two-mile run/walk will start at 9:30 a.m., but race registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Manny’s Too banquet room. Participants can also download the registration form at www.cityoffulton.us. The cost to participate is $15 and the first 150 registrants will receive a free pair of limited-edition embroidered socks. Manny’s pizza will also be available to run/walk participants only, after the race.

The Fulton Police Department will participate in the Fall Festival activities with a public safety day, held at the former fire station from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festival-goers will have an opportunity to meet Fulton police officers and the HEAT Team, view a crime scene investigation, see a K9 unit demonstration and check out some of the police department vehicles, including the popular DARE car.

The Mark Twain Impersonator will be located in the main stage area, beginning at noon.

The One Hat Band is a popular family group from Dubuque who have recorded a CD and perform at festivals throughout the region. The band’s style encompasses folk, bluegrass and country, and features several stringed instruments. The band will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. on the main stage.

Of course, Fall Festival will have many of the usual fall favorites, including free children’s games, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, dancing and gymnastics performances and even the Riverboat Rustlers Square Dancers, who will perform at 1 p.m. near the main stage area. Festival-goers can also enjoy food from Granny’s Sugar Shack, Grandma & Grandpa’s Treats, the River Bend Music Boosters bake sale and the 4-H Club caramel apple stand.

Limited seating will be available at the main stage area located in front of Fulton City Hall, 415 11th Ave. However, festival-goers are welcome to bring their own lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, events will be located in the former fire station and the Masonic Lodge.

Fall Festival is organized by the Fulton Chamber of Commerce. For complete details about the event, visit www.cityoffulton.us or call (815) 589-4545.

     

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