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STATE CENTER -- The official kickoff to autumn returns Sept. 25 to downtown State Center, starting at 4 p.m., for the annual Watson's Fall Festival, put on by the State Center Development Promotions Committee.
The event is named in honor of the town's famous landmark: Watson's Grocery Store. The store was built in 1895 for William Watson and was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
"We're going to make a lighted little square right in front of Watson's area on the street. People are going to eat in the street and we're going to have hay and a photo op there. There's going to be a DJ (DJ America's Music to Go set up in front of Central State Bank). That's all new. The State Center Historical Society will host its adults‑only walking charcuterie wine glasses fundraiser with a free‑will offering at the door," said Julie Riley, who serves on the committee.
Also available inside Watson's will be a special candle for sale, simply called "Watson's Grocery" and crafted by State Center-based business Hometown Glow Candle Co.
"The Watson's Grocery scent is a classic snickerdoodle, a vintage scent that perfectly captures the spirit of our beautifully preserved Watson's Museum in the historic Main Street district of State Center," said Hometown Glow owner Leslie Streeter. "The Fall Festival is very close to our hearts as Hometown Glow Candle Co was founded strongly with thoughts of how you feel welcome and comforted in your hometown and the beautiful traditions we enjoy there."
Folks are welcome to grab food from Clare's Tenderloin and Mojo's Grinders food trucks. Local entities such as Bailey's Pizza, Holy Grounds, Main Well and La Casa Maya will offer carry‑out options for those who care to dine on the lighted square. Hometown Foods will be giving away caramel apples to the kids.
"They can get whatever they want and come down and sit on the tables. We're going to decorate tables in a fall theme, so that should be fun," Riley added.
The festivities will span the space from Eckhardt Enterprises to the Gutekunst Public Library.
"This year's festival promises one of the most activity‑packed evenings yet. Ranger hay rides will shuttle visitors along Main Street, connecting families with dozens of attractions, food vendors, contests and seasonal entertainment," she said.
The food fest will see the first 100 children under age 12 eat free. Youngsters can pick up their envelopes of cash ($10) at Watson's, to be used to buy food along Main Street.
A new event this year is the inaugural pie eating contest. The 2026 Rose Queen Avery Buck and Princess Mia Christianson will host it on West Main Street at 4 p.m. Participants will eat without use of hands. There will be four rounds: two for those ages 18 and under and two for adults. There will be a speed round and a timed round to choose from. Entry form and complete rules are posted on the State Center Development Facebook Page. Pies will be provided.
Brian's Collision, 205 E. Main St., will be the site of the annual pumpkin decorating contest. Pumpkins must be dropped off by 4 p.m., and prizes include $50 for the top youth (under 11) and adult (12+) entries, plus $25 second‑place awards, sponsored by Brian's Collision. Note, the first 60 children will get goody bags.
Additional activities for kids will include: a pumpkin launcher at the Depot, a giant bounce house on the Gutekunst Public Library lawn, caterpillar rides and family games near the one room schoolhouse and face painting by Roxanna Bodie and balloon art by Tulip the Clown inside the schoolhouse.
The vendor fair will be set up in front of the fire station featuring crafts, fall items and more. Vendors include: Dusty Hill Farm, Busy Bee Apiary, Liz's Mixes, Lady Bug Acres, H2 Oh Man Brewing, Dale's Specialty Breads, Spice & Simmer Co., Pure Home Wellness and Terry Scroll Saw Art.
The State Center Lions Club will host a corn hole game in the State Center Laundromat parking lot. Rainbow vacuum will host a basket giveaway. Mustaine's Towing Service will be hosting a fall bingo at 101 First Ave., North from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. All ages welcome.
The Friends of the Library will hold its annual book sale in the garage at Gutekunst Public Library from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All sales are freewill donation. In keeping with the fall spirit, Library Director Amelia Root said the library will hold a fall paint class on October 1 at 6 p.m.
"We will be painting a scarecrow fall scene. Reservations are requested but not required to participate. It is for all ages," she noted.
To learn more, visit: www.statecenterdevelopment.org.