11 Things to Do at Stark County’s Fall Festival

By

Payton Letko, Guest Writer

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Every third full weekend in September, Stark County holds its annual Fall Festival. Located in Wyoming, IL’s Thomas Park, it’s a weekend of food, antiques, crafts, kids’ games, live music, and free entertainment that’s sure to have something for everyone. This event is made possible by the community’s volunteers, who are serving up country hospitality. Come to Stark County’s Fall Festival as a guest, and leave as a friend. 

Bags Tournament  {Basketball Court}

A bags tournament will be open to adult participants on the basketball court in Thomas Park. This event is hosted by the Wyoming Fire Department to raise funds for the Stark County First Responder Holiday Ball, recognizing their service to the community.

Breakfast in the Park  {Thomas Park}   //   Breakfast will be available in Thomas Park on both Saturday and Sunday for all Fall Festival attendees. The Wyoming Lions Club will provide pancakes and sausages, and Cozzi Ranch will serve up biscuits and gravy with a side of eggs. Join in a morning meal with the community and make new friends. 

Camping and RV Accommodations  {Stark County Fairgrounds}   //   Want to escape the city for the weekend? Make a reservation to camp or park an RV at the Stark County Fairgrounds and immerse yourself in country living for the weekend. Showers and electrical hookups available onsite. The fairgrounds are a short drive or walk to Thomas Park, the location of the Fall Festival. 

Doggy Pageant  {Main Stage}   //   Festival attendees can  bring their dogs to this outdoor festival and enter the Fall Festival Doggy Pageant. Show off your dog’s obedience, play up their cuteness with a costume, or wow the crowd with their talent or tricks. There are prizes for  the first and second-place winners.

Fall Festival Little Miss and Mister Pageant  {Main Stage}   //   Find out who will be named the next Stark County Fall Festival Little Miss and Mister. This event is open to Stark County locals between the ages of five and eight. Prizes include a spot in the Stark County Homecoming Parade.

Food Trucks and Stalls  {Thomas Park}   //   Grab a bite at one of the many food trucks and stalls at the festival. Annual festival favorites include corn fritters,  kettle corn, and Chinese food. However, if you’re looking for more offerings, venture Downtown for 1-11 Tacos, Curry’s, or Hunt Brothers Pizza and Subs.  

Handmade Goods and Antiques {Thomas Park}   //   Peruse the park for flea market finds and handmade goods, from home goods to beauty products. Pumpkins, gourds, and corn will also be available for sale. Vendors can join by registering with the Stark County Fall Festival Committee.

Kids’ Day  {Basketball Courts}   //   Bring your kids out for a free day of kid-friendly games and events on the Thomas Park basketball courts. These old-fashioned family activities include but are not limited to egg races, sack races, face painting, bouncy houses, and pig races, where winners get to take home a piggy bank prize. Other prizes will be available, and all Kids’ Day events are free.

Live Entertainment  {Thomas Park}   //   Every year, the Stark County Fall Festival features free live entertainment. Past and present shows have included talent shows, professional arm wrestlers, and medieval times combat demonstrations. Keep an eye out for announcements on what will be happening at each festival.

Live Music  {Main Stage}   //   Enjoy free live as you stroll through the park and take in the festival offerings or grab a seat by the main stage while you rest your feet and feast. Live music rotates throughout the years, but performances have included names like Rivertown Whiskey. 

Sunday Church Service in the Park  {Main Stage}   //   Want to join the weekend festivities without missing out on your Sunday worship? Stark County Fall Festival has you covered. Grab some breakfast in the park and then join in the community service. All religions and denominations are welcome and encouraged to participate. Limited seating will be available, but lawn chairs are welcome.  

Payton Letko, Guest Writer
Author
Payton Letko, Guest Writer

Payton Letko is a Stark County native passionate about travel, good food, and life-long learning. When she’s not working on her various projects, she can be found with her nose in a book, sipping a hot beverage, or experimenting with sourdough.

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