De Soto festival attracts about 8,500 attendees
By Teresa Inserra
Thousands of people turned out for the 33rd annual De Soto Fall Festival on Sept. 21, organizers said.
Sarah Greenlee, office coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the festival, estimated that the festival drew about 8,500 attendees.
She said the weather was beautiful and Main Street was filled with people throughout the day. Greenlee also said the chamber board was pleased with how the festival went.
“We received tons of positive feedback from vendors and attendees,” she said. “It was a very enjoyable, successful day for our community. There were plenty of things to do and see. The chamber community-driven festival provided a chance for people to come together, support local businesses and enjoy each other’s company in a warm, inviting atmosphere full of small-town tradition.”
Greenlee said approximately $11,000 was raised at the event to fund chamber activities and events throughout the year.
She said the Lucky Duck Contest and dunking booth each brought in about $1,000.
Weston Tidwell won first place and a $200 prize in the contest. The other winners were Mo Garrison, second place, $100; and Nicole Spruell, third place, $50.
The cornhole and hot dog-eating contests were canceled, but the pet contests sponsored by U Dirty Dog Grooming Salon were held.
Melissa Johnston, owner of U Dirty Dog, said the pet contests went well. Twelve dogs participated in the canine hot dog-eating contests. Other contests included Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Most Unusual Animal, Costume Contest and Best Trick.
“Everyone loved and enjoyed the local musicians, including Louise Rieffer, Jesse Irwin, Roger Gallaway and Eric Coleman,” Greenlee said.
She said the car show raised about $500 for the chamber.
The car show winners were: Best Truck – Mike McMullin for a 1994 4x4 F150 XLT; 1980 and Newer – Rob Coleman for a 2003 AM General Humvee; 1959 and Earlier – Jeff Lewis for a 1931 Ford Model A; Best of Show – Dennis Johnson for a 1968 Chevy Camaro; 1960-1979 – Bob Gallaway for a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner; Best Custom – Dave Merseal for a 1940 Chevy Coupe; Motorcycle – Bentlee and Kolby Yates for a 2023 Kawasaki 85 and a 2023 Kawasaki 65.
A total of about 100 craft and food vendors were on hand. Inflatables, a beer tent and a wine-tasting booth were included.
Zimmerley Pagano, 1, wears a De Soto Fire Department helmet at the De Soto Fall Festival.
The De Soto Fall Festival Car Show went on for several blocks down Main Street.
Skylar Thierheimer, 2, of De Soto eats a slushie at the festival.
Samuel Thierheimer, 4, of De Soto with his father at the De Soto Fall Festival.
Mary DeGrant and Patty Smith, both of De Soto, said they like getting food and visiting with vendors each year.
Malachi Arnold, 4, of De Soto and his sister, Bonnie, 3, with Gary Arnold of De Soto Rural Fire Protection District.
Nathan Jewell of De Soto poses with a duck mascot, who was promoting the Lucky Duck Contest.
Rosalyn and Aurora Schau of Richmond travel in a wagon through the festival.
Audrey Thurman, 2, of De Soto gets a free bicycle helmet fitted on her head from the Twin City Area Optimist Club booth.
Harper Rola, 3, of De Soto gets a free bicycle helmet at the De Soto Fall Festival.
Perry Boardman, 11, of De Soto, left, and Damien Standefer, 10, of De Soto face off.
Briar Grove of High Ridge plays in the corn at the Back to Play booth.
People gather around the food trucks set up for the fall festival.
Alvin was the winner of the dog costume contest.
