What's the Fall Festival you may ask? Well it's one of the largest and longest street festivals in the United States. Every year in October, the West Side Nut Club organizes and sponsors a huge Fall Festival. This week-long gala along Franklin Street is full of free entertainment, carnival attractions, over 125 food booths, amateur talent competitions, and a huge parade to finalize the week. This festival attracts over 200,000 people to the west side of Evansville and if you haven't experienced this week yet, this is definitely the year to do so.
Here's what to expect:
1. Zero parking
If you do find a spot, you're a lucky soul. Be prepared to walk some distance if you don't want to pay for parking. Everyone wants to get there just as bad as you do
2. Many people
With the festival running literally all day long, the crowd is always there. Typically more so at night but there is a constant stream of more people in one place than you've seen in quite some time for the majority of your time spent walking Franklin street during this time of the year
3. Great food
EVERYTHING IS SO GOOD. If you see something bizarre that you've never heard of before-JUST TRY IT! You may love it. Obviously try your typical favorite things that appear every year (my personal favs are the apple cider and the deep fried Oreos as well as the cookie dough) but don't be afraid to try something new. Maybe it's the brain sandwich or the scorpion on a stick or a chocolate covered cricket.
4. Family bonding
This is a week to spend with your family. Come out for lunch or dinner. Or both! Enjoy this week as much as you can with all your family and friends. What's better than family, food, and entertainment?
5. Carnival rides
Check em out! There are all kinds and rides for all ages. After all, what's a festival without the rides..?
6. Carnival games
Have you ever been ripped off at a carnival game, no? Well now's your chance. JK JK, I'm just terrible at the games. Throw the darts at the balloons, have the workers guess your age. Buy your significant other that stuffed animal. You are at the carnival, aren't you? Exactly, so go ahead be cute and win her the biggest prize there is.
7. The annual parade
Grab your plastic bag and catch the candy. Wave at the people you may know, hear the music, and experience the crowd. Everyone loves a good parade, especially one to conclude one of the biggest street festivals in the united states.
The Fall Festival is definitely a locals' favorite. It's the perfect reminder that it is, indeed, Fall season and the weather is cooling down. So what are you waiting for, grab your wallet, bring your friends and go experience this street festival that only happens once a year!
