Carvers, On Your Marks!
The fall season in Minnesota is full of great activities across the entire state, but you don't have to travel too far to enjoy them. Fall Fest, presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) is bringing several fall activities to life right here in Downtown Rochester. From a pumpkin carving contest to the all new "Tailgate Corner", there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
The RDA is happy to welcome a popular activity back for Fall Fest, the pumpkin carving contest. We saw very intricate designs last year, as well as your traditional spooky jack-o-lantern, and we're certain to see more great carvings this year.
Participants will be carving for up to two hours on site, beginning just prior to the event. From 9:30am-11:30am, carvers will map out a plan and dig right in, carving for one of four titles. There will be winners for most funny, most scary, most original, and the ever-sought-after people's choice. Those not participating can vote by writing down their winners on the pumpkin carving contest voting sheets on site. Voting runs from 11:30am-2:00pm.
Think you have the skills to win? Click here to enter the contest. Pre-registration is required with a $10 entry fee. Your fee includes one gutted and ready to carve pumpkin, one Fall Fest apron (yours to keep), carving tools, and a workspace consisting of a table and chair. There are only 16 spots available at the carving table, so don't wait!
Winners will be announced on Monday, October 8 at 3:00pm. Winners of each category will receive a $50 gift card to the Downtown business of their choice. In the event of a tie, both entrants will receive a $50 gift card.
Additional Activities
Fall Fest 2018 is offering more activities than ever before thanks to our activity partners, Olmsted Medical Center, Winona State University-Rochester, and MedExpress. Corn sensory bins and leaf piles will help to set the scene as a lively place, while an inflatable slide, bounce house, and giant pumpkin will offer amusement for all.
The Peace Plaza will also host a petting zoo provided by Red Barn Learning Farm, as well as a pumpkin patch and fun fall crafts.
New this year at Fall Fest is the addition of the "Tailgate Corner". The area will feature local athletes, a football toss, and a chance for you to race your friends, among other games. Also new to Fall Fest 2018, a kiddie farmer's market for your young ones to purchase fresh produce using wooden nickels, as well as bubble machines to fill the plaza with even more fun.
Live Entertainment
This year's Fall Fest is coming with live entertainment for everyone to enjoy for a portion of the event. Thanks to our Entertainment Partner, Castle Community, we have secured Minnesota's own Good Morning Bedlam to play at the event.
You won't want to miss out on all of the activities at Fall Fest 2018, so join us on the Peace Plaza from 10:00am-2:00pm on October 6. If the weather doesn't cooperate on the scheduled date, don't fret! We have a rain date scheduled for October 7 from 10:00am-2:00pm.