Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.
CRESTVIEW — People attending the annual Fall Festival in Crestview will have free family-friendly entertainment to enjoy.
The festival, 1-6 p.m. Oct. 28 on Main Street, will include live music by the North Okaloosa Band, Jones & Company, Hashtag Swing and The Summit Sounds. Representatives of local organizations will offer candy, free games and photo booths.
One of the festival's biggest attractions, however, is its costume contest. Main Street Crestview Association manager Sandra Wilson said hundreds of people participated last year as groups or individuals. A pet costume contest and pet parade are also part of the event.
Attendees may also visit the U.S. Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion section. The Rangers provide live animals for display at the event. Offerings this year may even include a baby alligator, according to Wilson. Old Warrior Ranch and Kindred Spirits Therapy will also have live animals on site.
Crestview Rotarians will have a hay bale decoration contest at Hub City Smokehouse, a food vendor. Food vendors also include Orient Express; Jay's Italian Ice; Main Street Eats; Bayou Billy Sweet Dixie Tea; Tom's Main Street Ice Cream; Sassy 'N Sweet Cupcakes; and J & K Lemonade; among others.
Among merchandise vendors at the event are Essence Spa & Salon, a festival sponsor; Scentsy; LuLaRoe; Mary Kay; Crafty Southern Expressions; Wax Impression; and many more.
The schedule is as follows:
•1-2:45 p.m., Costume Contest registration
•1-3 p.m., Hashtag Swing
•1-6 p.m., The Summit Sounds will perform throughout the day
•2 p.m., Pet Costume Contest; registration continues through 1:45 p.m. Oct. 28 at Pawsitively Scrumptious Bark Bakery & Boutique on Main Street.
•2:30-5:30 p.m., Jones & Company
•3 p.m., Costume Contest on Main Stage (north side of Main Street by the courthouse)
•3:30 p.m., North Okaloosa Community Band
There's still time to sign up as a vendor. Contact Sandra Wilson, 810-6722 or manager@mainstreetcrestview.org, for details.
See www.mainstreetcrestview.com for more information on the organization.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fall Festival to blend music, food and fun