ORLEANS—The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is set to host the 17th Annual Orleans Fall Fun Fest this weekend, October 10th and 11th, promising two days of free family-friendly activities, live music, and community events centered around the historic Congress Square downtown.
The festivities kick off on Friday evening, October 10th, with a special Block Party and Kick Off Front Porch Concert at the historic home of Larry Padgett, just one block west of the town square.
Attendees can enjoy an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social planned by Hometown Scoops from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Live music will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring a performance by Zaden Cave & Kirby Staley. The evening will also include special appearances by the Dazzlers Dance Team and the Orleans Marching Band Regiment.
Free Concerts in the Park on Saturday
The main event on Saturday, October 11th, is packed with activities, highlighted by two free concerts in the park.
- 11:00 a.m.: The popular band Last Call will take the Bicentennial Stage (located on the southwest corner of the square).
- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: RetrOasis, formerly known as “The Old n’ Gold Band,” will perform.
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the free live entertainment.
Full Day of Family Fun
Saturday’s schedule begins early with the Orange County Homegrown Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 12 NOON. Fitness enthusiasts can participate in the Homegrown Annual 5K Run/Walk, with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the race beginning at 10 a.m.
Throughout the day, Congress Square will be bustling with community activities:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Suddarth & Company will host a Pumpkin Painting Event, and the Kiwanis Club of Orleans will set up their Story Steps for younger children. The Orleans Public Library is also hosting a Fall Fun Fest Author Visit & Story with Lisa Pieterse-Carson at 11 a.m. Bounce Houses will also be set up in the park.
- Community Showcase: Attendees can meet and interact with members of the Orleans Police and Fire Departments, who will have set up stations during the event.
- Car Show: The Annual Fall Car Show will take place, with registration starting at 11 a.m. and the show running from Noon to 4 p.m.
The Chamber’s Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest will also be judged Saturday morning, with winners announced during the day’s happenings.
Delicious Food and Treats
A variety of food options will be available, courtesy of local organizations:
- The Orange County Cattlemen will be cooking their signature steak sandwiches at lunchtime.
- The Orleans Masonic Lodge will serve chili, cornbread, and drinks.
- Tri Kappa will offer homemade fall treats and kids’ games.
- The Dazzlers Dance Team will be selling lemon shake-ups, hamburgers, and hot dogs.
- The Junior Class Parents’ After Prom will host a bake sale.
Additionally, Orleans Phi Beta will be running a 50/50 drawing and distributing free water and cider throughout the day. Caterpillar Corner Child Care will also have a booth set up.
