Hotter-than normal temperatures affected attendance at the 35th annual De Soto Fall Festival on Sept. 19.
Sarah Greenlee, office coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, said a large crowd arrived early to enjoy the activities before the heat.
“By around 1 p.m., the temperatures had become extremely challenging, and we saw a significant decline in festival attendance as many people understandably chose to escape the heat,” she said, adding it was probably the hottest fall festival the chamber has had in 10 years with temperatures in the upper 90s. “We estimated about 3,500 attendees, which is down about a third from our norm. Our vendor turnout was also lower than usual with about 70 total. While the weather was certainly a factor beyond our control – and of course two days later we see a 20-degree drop in temperature – those who stuck it out at the event made the best of it.”
Greenlee said master magician DJ Edwards, who performed at 11 a.m., was a huge hit, and the Big River Alpacas also were a crowd favorite.
“The local band Blackwell Station kept the festival spirit alive with great music and plenty of enthusiasm,” she said. “We really appreciated all the first responders who were certainly on their game throughout the day, and their quick responsiveness provided a sense of security for attendees.”
The city of De Soto, De Soto School District, Arnold Ready Mix, Miner’s Towing and Midwest Party Bus participated in the Trucks, Tracks and Kodak Moments, offering a bucket truck, a front loader, buses, a concrete truck and a tow truck for kids to explore up close.
Ellie Mae’s Menagerie offered kangaroo encounters for $10, and there was also an inflatable bounce house.
“The kids didn’t seem to mind the heat as they burned off some energy like no big deal bouncing in the inflatable provided by Twin City Party Rentals,” Greenlee said.
She said the annual car and truck show was another popular attraction with interesting rides.
The winners of the car show were: best of show, Darrell Siar, 1960 Chevy C-10; best custom, Jesse Lewis, 1955 Chevy 210; best truck, Tom Vinyard, 1941 Ford; rat rod, Ozzie Williams, 2023 Brat Rod Cozy Coup; 1959 and earlier, Patrick Hoffman, 1934 Plymouth P.E.; 1960-1979, Butch Boyer, 1969 Plymouth Road Runner; and 1980 and newer, Mike McMullin, 1994 Ford F-150.
“Despite the heat, the 35th annual Fall Festival was filled with people who came ready to have a good time and make the best of the circumstances,” Greenlee said. “We are proud of the businesses, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, first responders and festivalgoers who continued to support our wonderful community and local chamber.”
The fall festival is a fundraiser for the chamber.
She said the dunk tank brought in about $1,000 for the chamber with Mike Zebas of De Soto Fire Department raising the most money. A game table raffle donated by Mueller Furniture raised more than $600 for the chamber. Abigail Pearson won the table.
The chamber’s next event will be the Trick or Treat on Main Street on Oct. 26.
