To see pictures from the event, click here:
With comfortable temperatures and nary a raindrop, the 28th annual Twin City Days festival drew massive crowds to Crystal City and Festus last weekend, said Mary Zebrowski, director of the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event.
She said she could only estimate that the festival drew “thousands and thousands.”
“At the events I went to, I saw great crowds,” Zebrowski said. “There were more people than last year. Everybody came out of the house because of the great weather.”
The event was held Sept. 7-9 at venues around Festus and Crystal City, with a couple of activities straying outside those dates, like the Red Bird Hunt, which began Sept. 5.
Holly Roberts and her family won the contest, finding the Red Bird at a Festus city utility building near the KJFF Radio station after several clues were broadcast over the airwaves. The prize for finding the Red Bird included tickets to a St. Louis Cardinals game and a one-night hotel stay.
In addition, the Midwest Regional Bank Twin City Days Pickelball Tournament was held Sept. 9-10 at Jokerst Memorial Park in Festus, extending the festivities one day beyond the rest of the festival.
Two scheduled activities – a trivia night and a volleyball tournament – were cancelled due to lack of interest, she said.
Everything else went smoothly, she said.
Festivities included a breakfast at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park in Festus; free bowling at Quonset Lanes in Crystal City; live music; a 5K run-walk and cornhole, washers and basketball tournaments; food trucks and vendor booths in downtown Crystal City and Festus; a book sale at the Festus Library; children’s activities and more.
The annual Twin City Days Mayors’ Challenge, held Sept. 7, went to Festus, which had its team of employees defeat the Crystal City team in a cornhole competition.
Musical acts included Jeremiah Johnson and the Neon Blues Band at the Blues on the Bricks Cobblestone Celebration in Crystal City and That 80s Band at the main stage at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park in Festus.
Some fairgoers strolling along Main Street and Bailey Road on Sept. 9 said they were enjoying the sights and sounds as they stopped to check out what the vendors were selling.
“It’s only our second year here,” said Kyra McLafferty, 20, of Festus, who was pushing her 9-month-old son, Hudson Ruegge, along in a stroller. “I enjoy it.”
Elizabeth Korte, 27, of Hillsboro, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who had a booth at the event, said Twin City Days is a great way to meet the public.
“This is the third booth I’ve had here,” Korte said. “It’s just good to be out and talk to the community.”
Dan Williams, 76, of Pevely, who displayed his 1932 Ford coupe in the Classic Car Show along Main Street and Bailey Road, said many people admired his vintage vehicle.
“Kids see it and they get excited,” Williams said. “I let them sit in the car.”
Quite a few people had their dogs with them at the festival, but Courtney Trainor, 28, of Pevely brought along Sonny, her sun conure bird, who seemed happy perched on Trainor’s shoulder catching the attention of passersby.
“I take him everywhere,” Trainor said. “He helps me with anxiety. People like to see him.”
Zebrowski said she appreciates all who helped make Twin City Days a success.
“A huge thank you to all the volunteers who make it work and those who worked to organize activities, as well as the city workers from both cities,” she said. “And, a big thank you to the people who come out for the activities.”