Rhodes Fall Festival to debut Saturday
Trending
RHODES -- Although the town may be small, the Rhodes Engagement Committee's ambition is big. Since forming in February, it has worked to offer more events and entertainment in the area, including bringing back Rhodes Pride Days in July for the "Cheers to 140 Years" celebration. New this year is the Rhodes Fall Festival, which will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
"We had a great turnout and overwhelming support this summer, and thought that we could try to put together another event before the end of the year," said Committee President Madelyn Pitzen. "We wanted to do something that wasn't going to compete with the surrounding towns, just offer something more this fall season."
A highlight of the festivities will be a jack o'lantern contest. Drop off your completed creations by 6:30 p.m. to the Rhodes Memorial Park. Judging will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. via the Committee's Facebook page. Pick up your pumpkin by 10 p.m. to take home. Prizes will be awarded in several age groups.
"We really want the event to be family-centered and low cost," she added. "Everything is free except the Design By Shaye mini photo shoots. There will also be a fall-themed backdrop to take photos."
Vendors will be offering a variety of wares at the holiday market, also set up at Memorial Park. Enjoy cider, cookies, wine slushies and more.
Kids will get the chance to meet adorable farm animals at the petting zoo, which will include goats, a pony, chickens, ducks and guinea pigs.
On the yard, play a variety of ball games, ring toss and Yard Yahtzee. Fall crafts will include pumpkin painting.
"The highlight event will be the scarecrow relay for kids 8 to 15, broken down by age group," Pitzen said. "You have to put on overalls, a flannel shirt and straw hat and knock a crow down with a piece of corn."
Kimberly Meyer created the event's mascot, Conway the Crow, lending her artistic talents to the events the Committee has organized so far.
Pitzen noted the Committee raised enough money through its bottle and can donations to completely pay for Pride Days celebration. In turn, funds raised during Pride Days will cover the cost of the Fall Festival.
"It all worked out," she said.
The goal is to make the Fall Festival a yearly tradition.
"We've had so much support, with just a few months to plan everything -- not having had any events for 12 years," Pitzen added. "We're taking it one step at a time and plan to have another event in the spring."
She said the committee has been successful because people only sign up to help in areas they want to participate.
"We listen to all ideas, and if people are doing what they want to do, they tend to succeed at that," she added.
To sign up to be a vendor or volunteer, reach out at: rhodesengagement@gmail.com.