Fall Fest largest ever

By Staff, 10/16/17 10:56 AM

PRESCOTT – Saturday dawned clear and warm, perfect weather for the annual Fall Festival.

The festivities got started early with participants in the 5K color run/walk registering at 7 a.m. The race kicked off at 8 with runners doused in colored chalk at different locations around the route. One such station was a couple of blocks from the finish line and runners did what the could to avoid getting covered with more chalk dust. The lack of any kind of a breeze allowed the dust to hang in the air for several minutes before settling.

From there, it was on to the other events. Booths were lined up on three sides of the courthouse square, and several people volunteered to get in the dunking booth for a chance to get cooled off as the temperatures climbed into the low 90s as the day wore on. Jason Helms took center stage at noon, and while the chairs in front of the stage were empty, it was only because they were in the direct sun. Those enjoying the concert took shelter in the shade and under tents. This year’s festival had more vendor booths than ever before.

The food vendors’ wagons stayed busy with people grabbing a bite and mostly buying cold drinks to combat the heat. The final scheduled event of the day was the Mr. and Miss Fall Fest Pageant. Two boys were entered, Slade Hillery and Callen Spradling, with Hillery taking the trophy and sash. In the 0-11 month division for the girls, Addison Zitano was the winner with Harper McManeh the first runner up. Madelyn Miller won the 12-23 month group, with Berkley Jordan the first runner up. Mea Bearden took the crown for the 2-3 category, with Carlieann Spradling the first runner up. Karlie White was the winner in the 4-5 spot, while Claire Laughard went home with the crown in the 6-9 spot.

Some patrons took advantage of the Nevada County Depot and Museum’s penny candy store to get out of the heat. Few youngsters understood the concept of penny candy, but were delighted to purchase sweet treats at the store.