An estimated 6,000 people flocked the 34th annual De Soto Fall Festival on Sept. 20, said Sarah Greenlee, office coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the festival.
Greenlee said she was thrilled with the attendance, adding that it was “a little bit better than last year.”
“The turnout was incredible,” she said. “The streets were full by 9 a.m. when the event began. We had a wide variety of over 100 vendors, lots of food choices, car show entries, the Trucks, Tracks and Kodak Moments participants, pet activities and a kids area that altogether stretched out over a half mile on Main Street. Twin City Party Rentals made the bounce house wristbands affordable for all families, so we were super thankful for that.”
Greenlee said people seemed to like street performer Austin Jarvis of Bismarck, who dressed as a clown and juggled while riding a unicycle up and down Main Street.
Blackwell Station and the Shukazzii Jazz Quintet provided musical entertainment.
“Blackwell Station is a very popular hometown band, and they brought so much energy to the crowd,” Greenlee said. “The Shukazzii Jazz Quintet is a young group from the area, and their performance was top notch.”
She said the festival was a success.
“We felt good about the organization from set up to clean up,” Greenlee said. “Everything ran smoothly thanks to months of planning and teamwork. The weather was a little warm, but other than that, it was a picture-perfect day.
“Each year keeps topping the last, and we can’t wait to find new ways we can improve and grow the event even more! We are super thankful for all the businesses that participated in the Fall Festival and for those who adjusted their normal hours to make the day special for our community.”
The Fall Festival is the De Soto Chamber of Commerce’s biggest fundraising event. Proceeds go to help fund chamber activities throughout the year.
Greenlee said she did not have the final total for the proceeds on Monday but estimated that between $5,000 and $7,000 was raised for the Chamber of Commerce.
She said the dunk tank alone raised about $1,500.
Greenlee said 13 volunteers for the daylong dunk tank competed to see who could raise the most money.
Tonya Peeler, food service director for the De Soto School District, won the competition by raising $220 and received a giant chain necklace with a G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) medal.
The Lucky Duck Contest raised $350 for the chamber. The winners of the contest were Beckham Maupin, first place, $200; Kim Anderson, second place, $100, and Jenn Melkus, $50, third place.
Greenlee said the car show raised $350. Winners of the car show were Justin Fitzsimmons for his 1980 Firebird; Tom McGuire for a 1971 Plymouth Duster; Patrick Hoffman for his 1934 Plymouth SE; Phillip Spradley for his 1979 Jeep and Tom Patson for a 1957 Chevy 3100. Dave Merseal received the Best of Show Award for his 1968 Chevy Camaro.
The chamber set aside $255 received in tips from the beer tent for the 2026 Independence Day Fireworks Fund, Greenlee said.
“We are grateful to get a start on fundraising for next year’s 250th birthday celebration,” she said.
The chamber took over fundraising for the fireworks display following the 2023 event. Each year it raises about $20,000 to put on the event. For more information, call the chamber at 636-586-5591.
Click to see more pictures from the De Soto Fall Festival:
