ORLEANS — Fall fun is returning to downtown Orleans with the 18th Annual Orleans Fall Fun Festival, featuring two days of family activities, live music, food, games and community events on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10.
The festival gets underway Friday night with a Block Party from 6 to 9 p.m. at the historic home of Larry Padgett, located at 1847 Historic Orleans Road, one block west of the town square.
The free front-porch concert will feature live music, food, carriage rides and giveaways. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with local police and fire department personnel. An ice cream social featuring Hometown Scoops will also be part of the evening.
Saturday’s activities will take place around Historic Congress Square and the Town Park, with events planned throughout the day.
The morning begins with the Homegrown Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to noon, along with the Orange County Homegrown 11th 5K Run/Walk. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the race starting at 10 a.m. from Orleans Historic Town Square. A registration fee is required.
Other morning activities include horse and carriage rides by Western Pleasure, the Orleans Chamber’s scarecrow decorating contest judging and the Orleans Tri Kappa Harvest Corner at Town Park, featuring homemade fall treats, children’s games and more.
The Orleans American Legion will host a Ham and Beans Lunch from 10 a.m. to noon, with free-will donations accepted. The lunch will be held at the Orleans American Legion Home, located southwest of the square.
Children can enjoy bounce houses from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Park, along with pumpkin painting sponsored by Suddarth & Company.
The Kiwanis Club of Orleans Halloween Story Steps will also be part of the festivities.
From 10 to 11 a.m., the Orleans Public Library will sponsor a Fall Fun Fest author visit and story session with Lisa Pieters-Carson.
Car enthusiasts can join the Fall Fun Fest Car Show, with registration beginning at 11 a.m. The show will run from noon to 4 p.m., with a $15 entry fee. For questions about the car show, contact Mike Harkness at 812-653-1648.
Music will fill the square during a free concert by RetrOasis from 1 to 3 p.m. at the southwest corner of Town Square. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Additional activities include an Orleans Phi Beta apple cider stand with bingo tickets available while supplies last, OC Cattlemen steak sandwiches, Dazzlers Dance Center lemon shake-ups and an OHS Junior Parents After-Prom fundraiser.
With activities ranging from fall treats and pumpkin painting to live music, a car show and family entertainment, the festival offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season and spend time in downtown Orleans.
Some events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather.
For more information, contact the Orleans Chamber at 812-865-9930 or visit HistoricOrleans.com.
