The De Soto Fall Festival returned Saturday with huge crowds, a year after the event was canceled because of COVID-19.
Sarah Greenlee, coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the 30th annual event (not counting 2020), estimated that thousands turned out.
“Everything was wonderful,” she said. “It was our biggest turnout. It was a wonderful day. The streets were packed. It was hard to walk through, it was so packed.”
Greenlee said the public obviously missed the festival in 2020.
“People were ready to get out and about,” she said. “It was a huge bounce back after not having it last year.”
The festival mainly was held along De Soto Main Street and featured live music, food and craft booths, games and other activities.
“The dunk tank was a huge success with 12 local administration-business leaders (in the tank),” Greenlee said. “About 250 people tried their luck at the targets.”
A car show was held, and the winners were Chad Queen, Willys Jeep CJ-2A, first place; Steve Singer, 1956 Chevy pickup, second place; Greg Stuhlmann, 1990 Mustang, third place.
Other awards in the car show were Best Race Car, which went to Chuck Agers, 1969 Chevy Camaro; Best Engine, Ken Magura, 1957 Chevy; Best Paint, Dennis Johnson, 1968 Chevy Camaro.
A Lucky Duck Contest was held and the first-place winner was Tiffany Wheetley, who took home a $200 cash prize. The other winners were James McCullough, $100, and Mary McCarthy, $50.
Results for other events were not available at the Leader deadline.