De Soto Fall Festival organizers predict a huge turnout for this year’s event, set for Saturday, Sept. 18, with most activities along Main Street.
The main stage will be set up at Boyd and Main streets.
“We’re excited to be able to put on the 30th annual Fall Festival. We’re expecting a record-breaking crowd,” said Sarah Greenlee, coordinator for the
De Soto Chamber of Commerce, which is sponsoring the event.
She said last year’s festival, which was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, would have been the 30th, so the chamber decided to carry over the number to this year.
Festivities, some free and others with low fees, will start at 8 a.m. and continue into the evening.
“We have musical acts,” Greenlee said. “Johnny Lindsey will perform in front of Pawn Guys (412 S. Main St.) The Hound band will perform on the main stage.”
Lindsey plays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and The Hound plays from 3-6 p.m.
Greenlee said the dunk tank is always popular. It will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“It’s $5 for three throws,” she said. “We have local favorites (to be dunked), such as De Soto School District Superintendent Josh Isaacson and De Soto City Manager Todd Melkus. We have a large lineup.”
She said several dog contests will be held.
“There are six categories: Most Handsome Boy, Most Beautiful Girl, Best Costume, Best Trick, Cutest Puppies (for pups up to 6 months old),” Greenlee said.
In addition, a Whipped Cream Contest will be held to see which dog can eat a cup of whipped cream the fastest.
The dog activities are sponsored by Barks N’ Bubbles dog grooming.
Other events to be held include:
■ 8 a.m. to noon: Farmers’ Market, 520 N. Main St.
■ 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Car Show along Main Street (registration 8-11 a.m.; awards 3:30 p.m.).
“It has a $10 entry fee,” Greenlee said.
■ 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Bounce houses, pony rides, children’s games, food and craft vendors, face painting, demonstrations, a fire safety house, a beer tent, a hay bale toss, a photo booth and the Animals R Us Petting Zoo. Main Street shops and restaurants will be open.
■ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Rocking climbing and bungee bounce ($5 fee).
“We have a rock climbing wall and a bungee bounce, where you are harnessed on a trampoline,” Greenlee said.
■ 10 a.m.: Children’s bike ride at the De Soto Farmers’ Market.
■ 10 a.m. to noon: KJFF (1400 AM) will broadcast live from the festival.
■ 11 a.m.: Line dancing demonstration.
■ 11 a.m.: Cornhole tournament at the Arlington Event Center, 207 E. Main St.
■ 11 a.m.: Baby costume contest No. 1. (Sponsor: Pay It Forward Baby Ministry). “This is a new event,” Greenlee said. “It for ages 3 and under.”
■ noon to 4 p.m.: Cinderella will visit.
■ 2 p.m.: Baby costume contest No. 2.
■ 3 p.m.: Lucky Duck Contest.
For more information, contact the De Soto Chamber of Commerce at 636-586-5591.