Ever wanted to experience a festival in your hometown? Mount Vernon’s annual Fall Fest took over the downtown area on September 27 and 28, starting at 5:00 pm on the 27, and ending at 10:00 pm Saturday.

“As a member of the Festival board, I’m involved in a lot of behind-the-scenes planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our office specifically takes charge of the games, so we’ve been securing great prizes and coordinating volunteers from the various agencies we support. It’s all about making sure everything is well-organized and fun for everyone who attends.” Natalie Shook, United Way director, stated.

The Festival featured five bands during the Festival; including Southern Grit, Hunter Girl, Stir of Echoes, Danger Party, and Fuel. Southern Grit and Hunter Girl played at the Granada on September 27. Stir of Echoes took the stage at 2:00 pm and Fuel ended the night taking the stage at 8:00 pm.

“The bands this year are great. I am more looking forward to Fuel,” Shook stated.

The parade displayed the Homecoming Court and Bands from MV.

The Parade lineup was meticulously planned out so that the bands weren’t next to each other.

 Lucy Bernard, 27′, MV band member, stated, “My favorite song is definitely ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ since it’s my favorite thing to sing”

First responders can get out, and everyone else has enough room for their special presentation.

“My design process for the parade is making sure all the bands are evenly spaced out so that one band won’t be heard when the next is being judged,” Shook stated.

First responders were featured in the parade MV senior Nicholas Burk, 25,’ got the privilege of being in the firetruck.

“I’m usually in a fire truck.” Nicholas Burk 25’ said. 

The Sweet Corn and Watermelon Festival preceded the Festival.

“It was the highlight of the summer…many activities in the week,” Dr. Jamey VanZandt, of the SCWF.

The variety of groups consisted of annual arts & crafts, family, food, music, and outdoor shopping. It takes a lot of publishing to get the word out there.

“Asking people to volunteer and just sharing but social media and word of mouth how incredible the event is,” Shook shared.

There will be a kids area just for kids to play and have fun.

Amanda Burk, Kids Pumpkin Decorating Booth, “Getting to see the happiness of the kids as they decorate,” is one of the many reasons why she loves to do the booth.

Fall Fest has become an annual tradition for all of  Mount Vernon. People come from around the state to see what the festival has to offer.

“It is a great event for people of all ages to come and enjoy the city,” Shook said.