Denison -- Fall is in the air and it’s now time for the great outdoor festivals including the 27th Annual Denison Main Street Fall Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers promise those attending will be in for an action packed day of food, fun, entertainment, and great shopping in a family oriented venue perfect for all ages.
The festival officially kicks off on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. with the traditional Pancake Breakfast hosted by First Presbyterian Church, Park Avenue Church of Christ, Parkside Baptist Church and Waples UMC Men’s groups. This charitable event benefits the Ministerial Alliance, Denison Helping Hands, prescription needs and Grayson County Shelter. Tickets are only $6 and can be purchased in advance from any of the participating churches, the Denison Chamber of Commerce or the day of the event. With such a hearty start to your day with coffee, orange juice, pancakes and sausage, you’ll be energized and ready to begin strolling the streets to view the wares of over one hundred twenty vendors.
These vendors will be setup and ready for action as they line the streets of downtown Denison with collectible items, candles, handmade jewelry, glass etching, floral arrangements, woodcarvings and many other arts and crafts items that will lure you to their booth for closer inspection. Interspersed throughout the crafts will be information booths by groups such as home health, youth groups such as the FFA, DHS Theater Booster Club and more, and other non-profit agencies. Vendors will be located on Main Street from the 200 block through the 600 block this year as well as on Burnett, Fannin, Rusk and Mirick Avenues.
When the urge for great food hits, head straight for the food court located near Heritage Park where you will find vendors offering delectable treats such as turkey legs, funnel cakes, BBQ, corn dogs, popcorn and much more throughout the day. Tables and chairs will be scattered throughout the park so that you can relax and enjoy your treats while watching entertainment at the Gazebo stage sponsored by Woodcreek Apartments. Featured will be Blu Rock Band from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Denison High School Jazz Band from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; the Parkside Baptist Church Praise Choir from 11 a.m. to 12 noon; Shawnda Rains Stage Struck Performance talent from 12 noon to 1 p.m.; Blu Rock Band from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. and the winning performers of the Stage Struck Performance talent contest from 4:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Fun games and events will be interspersed throughout the area including a Water ball Walk, Lil Katy train, and a Bounce House.
The Demonstration Stage at the intersection of Main and Mirick is sponsored by Landmark Bank. You can enjoy non–stop entertainment beginning at 10 a.m. by groups such as Dance Xplosion, Denison Karate Club, Little Goddess Tribal Belly Dancers, Cheer Exclusive and much more that will be featured throughout the day.
An annual favorite is the classic car show sponsored by Pilkilton Dodge, NAPA Auto and North Rig Grill. It will once again be headquartered in the 200 block of West Main with over 100 entries expected. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m.
The 4th annual Motorcycle Show sponsored by Charles Holder Insurance will be in the 600 block of West Main. Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite motorcycles as plaques will be awarded to the largest participating group, the Best of Show, Best Custom and Best Antique.
The 700 block of West Main will be the location for the big Summertime Amusement carnival featuring thrilling rides, games and other carnival type activities. The carnival will be open on both Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th.
The 2014 festival is sponsored by the City of Denison, the Denison Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.
photos by Allen Rich