ORLEANS—The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is set to celebrate the arrival of autumn with its 16th Annual Fall Fun Fest in the Park, taking place this weekend, October 11th and 12th, in downtown Orleans. This year’s event promises a weekend filled with family-friendly activities centered around the historic Congress Square, with FREE admission for everyone.
The festivities will kick off on Friday evening with a special “Block Party” event. West Washington Street will be closed from Second to Third Streets for a FREE Front Porch Concert at Larry Padgett’s historic 1847 home, accompanied by an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social at Hometown Scoops. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the live music, with performances expected from the Orleans Bulldog Regiment.
In a bid to strengthen community ties, the Orleans Police and Fire Departments will be on-site to interact with families, foster police/fire partnerships, and showcase an emergency vehicle display.
Saturday’s lineup includes an updated Orange County Homegrown’s 5K/Walk, dubbed “Beer and Brats.” Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the race kicking off at 10 a.m. The event is co-sponsored by SpeakEasy Pizza, the SnoMobile, and Walt & Sue’s Café.
The homegrown farmers market will expand for the occasion, featuring farm-fresh produce, homemade baked goods, fall décor, handcrafted items, and the famous “Buck a Book” sale, among other vendors set up in the square.
Adding to the excitement, the Chamber will hold its first-ever Scarecrow Decorating Contest, with winners to be announced in the late morning. The Orleans Tri Kappa will operate a booth offering desserts, drinks, and children’s games.
Kids can enjoy Bounce Houses and Pumpkin Painting, sponsored by Suddarth & Co., while the Orleans Kiwanians will present children’s Halloween Story Steps in the park.
Additionally, Phi Beta will serve its homemade Persimmon Pudding Saturday morning, and families are invited to visit the Orleans Library to pick up a free craft kit and coloring page.
For car enthusiasts, registration for the Fall Fun Fest Car Show begins at 10 a.m. and runs from noon until 4 p.m. An entry fee will be charged, and everyone is welcome to participate. New this year is a Kids Hot Wheel/Matchbook Contest. Interested participants can contact Mike Harness at 812-653-1648 for more details about the car show.
Mark your calendars and join the Orleans community this weekend to embrace the spirit of fall and enjoy various fun activities for all ages.
