For three years, officials at St. Luke’s wanted to put on a
family-oriented event that would go beyond their small annual
church fair. Last year, they succeeded by hosting their first
annual AutumnFest. Organizers of the festival hope to outdo
themselves with this year’s installment by adding more activities,
vendors and sponsors to the mix.
Hollister – For three years, officials at St. Luke’s wanted to put on a family-oriented event that would go beyond their small annual church fair. Last year, they succeeded by hosting their first annual AutumnFest. Organizers of the festival hope to outdo themselves with this year’s installment by adding more activities, vendors and sponsors to the mix.
This year’s AutumnFest, on Saturday, October 16, promises a variety of attractions for all ages, including face-painting and jump houses, beer, wine, chocolate and carnival games.
“We have a vision of creating a family festival that’s more than just a church fair,” said Mia Casey, co-chairperson of the festival, who believes that the town needs an event like this for the whole family. “We love the biker rally, but we wanted something a little more family-oriented,” she said.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is putting the festival on in collaboration with Trinity Lutheran Church, Wells Fargo bank, and several other sponsors. Casey said the cooperation between organizations was key to the success and growth of last year’s AutumnFest, which drew a crowd of about 1,000 people. With even more sponsors and activities this year, St. Luke’s officials believe the festival may bring as many as 2,000 or 3,000 people to the Monterey street location.
Admission to the fair is free, but there will be food, crafts and collectibles available for purchase from over 50 on-site vendors. Wine, beer, and chocolate tasting tickets will be available for three to seven dollars.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival will go to two local charities: The Community Pantry and Emmaus House, a battered women’s shelter. Fair-goers are asked to bring canned or non-perishable food for donation to the two charities.
AutumnFest will be held from 9am to 5pm on Monterey Street between 6th and South Streets in Hollister.
Jessica Quandt is a staff writer for the Free Lance. Reach her at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or at [email protected].
