The annual Fall Festival takes to Main Street Saturday on what is predicted to be a gorgeous Collinsville day.
Layne Smith (4 years-old) on the left and Landon Smith (8 years-old) on the right at Fall Festival 2013 / Photo by Roger Starkey
Thousands of people will meander Main Street as temperatures approach 74 degrees under a sunny sky. Kids in costume will trick-or-treat at local businesses from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while parents surreptitiously swipe candy from their children and sample chili from 10 am. to 3 p.m.
Chili vendors, many of whom are non-profit organizations, will be competing in a cook-off in two categories: traditional and non-traditional. Prizes will be awarded for the top three in each category.
A costume contest will start at noon, for children in three age groups: pre-kindergarten to kindergarten, 1st-3rd grade and 4th-6th grade. Contest categories are Most Creative, TV/Movie/Cartoon and Mayor’s Choice. Mayor John Miller will select one winner for the Mayor’s Choice award, the top award.
Those who enjoy dogs decked out in costume and on parade will certainly find plenty of photo opportunities during the pet parade, known as the Critter Crawl, beginning at 2 p.m. Participants are asked to gather in the Dog Park at 509 W. Main St. at 1:30 p.m.
Costumes for the Critter Crawl are encouraged but not required. While supplies last, participants will receive a goodie bag from the Animal Rescue and Relief Foundation booth.
