The coming and going was brisk at the 31st annual De Soto Fall Festival, held Sept. 17 along Main Street between Fletcher and Pratt streets.
“We had really perfect weather, and there were steady crowds all day,” said Sarah Greenlee, office coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event.
About 75 vendors staffed booths along the route, offering information, education and a wide variety of items for sale. Live music was provided from 3-6 p.m. by Shannon Cox and Jenny Revelle.
“Everything went really smoothly,” Greenlee said.
There were a lot of things for kids and families to do at the festival.
“We had some new inflatable games, and those went over really well,” Greenlee said. “We had an 80-foot obstacle course the kids loved. I went on it myself – it was great.”
Other children’s activities included face painting, balloon artists, hands-on activities with Mastodon Fair staff and a visit from the St. Louis Blues mascot.
“Louie, the Blues mascot, was a huge hit,” Greenlee said.
For adults, there were golf and cornhole tournaments, a 5K run/walk, a photo booth, a farmers’ market and a beer tent and wine tasting.
“The quilt show was good, too,” Greenlee said. “That went well. We had a lot of quilts, and they were beautiful.”
The car show offered prizes as well as a chance for owners to show off their vehicles.
A dunk tank gave festivalgoers a chance to take aim at local school and city officials. Some familiar faces in the tank were De Soto Public Library assistant director Janice Butcher, De Soto Junior High physical education teacher Kim Kingsland, Sunrise Middle School teacher Tim Kasmarzik, De Soto High School Spanish teacher Daniel Schiele, De Soto School District Superintendent Josh Isaacson, De Soto High School softball coach Brittney Krodinger and De Soto City Administrator Todd Melkus.
Melissa Johnston, owner of U Dirty Dog Grooming Salon, said the pet contest was well attended. Trophies and ribbons were given for Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog and Most Unusual Animal, as well as for winners in a canine hot dog-eating contest and a costume contest.
“It was a great day, and I think people enjoyed bringing their pets out to show off,” she said.
A baby contest was held, and anyone could purchase a plastic duck for the duck race held in the afternoon. Jacob Maples chose the Little Blue Duckie That Could, walking off with a cool $200 first prize. Courtney Weber won $100 for second place and James Tilley won $50 for third.
Food trucks and concessions kept tummies full, Greenlee said.
“We had eight different food vendors,” she said. “I think people were pleased with the variety of things we had to offer.”
Greenlee said preliminary estimates are that the festival brought in between $10,000 and $15,000. Proceeds go to help fund the chamber’s activities throughout the year, including Christmas activities, a home show and a number of community outreach and business support projects.
“This is our biggest (fundraising) event,” Greenlee said. “And I think having it on Main Street is very beneficial to our businesses.”