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Autumn Fest 2018: Scenes from Opening Night

text and photos by Melanie Jongsma

LANSING, Ill. (October 5, 2018) – The temperature seemed to get warmer as the evening progressed, and the predicted rains held off until after 9:00pm, so Opening Night of Autumn Fest 2018 felt like a summer outdoor concert. Members of the Lansing Association for Community Events (LACE) expressed appreciation for how much more efficient set-up was this year—because of the amenities the new Fox Pointe venue provides. Lansing residents, out-of-town guests, performers, and vendors all commented on the beautiful setting.

Autumn Fest 2018
The day was spent setting up, and by mid-afternoon the finishing touches were being added.
Autumn Fest 2018
In celebration of our sesquicentennial, the Lansing Historical Society booth includes photos of locations in Lansing 125 years ago, and those same locations today.
Autumn Fest 2018
Local food vendors prepared for the suppertime crowd.
“Troost” rhymes with “post,” and that’s what owner Renae Fentress did with the photo she took of her booth: Troost Coffee and Tea
By 5:30pm, the picnic tables were beginning to fill up on the lawn…
Autumn Fest 2018
…as well as in the pavilion.
Autumn Fest 2018
This year the KidZone is connected to the general Fest area, which is more convenient for families.
Autumn Fest 2018
In the KidZone, picnic tables are set up near the inflatables, making it easy for families to enjoy food from the food court while the kids play.
Autumn Fest 2018
A steady stream of guests continued throughout the evening, and LACE volunteers Annmarie Aud and Jeri Villa checked them in and provided them wristbands.
Autumn Fest 2018
In the pavilion, LACE volunteers Mike Gaffney and Mary Beth Palka sold tickets for a variety of alcoholic beverages.
Autumn Fest 2018
The faces of LACE

OooWee Chicken and Ribs is located just west of Fox Pointe. They sent a representative to Autumn Fest who got caught up in the groove of Latin Satin Soul:

Autumn Fest 2018
The dancing OooWee Chicken soon became a celebrity.

Non-chicken Fest-goers had fun dancing too:

Autumn Fest 2018
Across the way, on the Visible Music College stage, local artists entertained Fest-goers in a cozier setting.
Autumn Fest 2018
It was a beautiful night for music, dancing, and community.

The Fest grounds were scheduled to close at 11:00pm, but significant rainstorms rolled in around 10:30pm.

Autumn Fest 2018 continues on Saturday, October 6, beginning with a Copper Muggers Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion (18255 Grant Street) from 8:00–11:00am. Tickets cost $5.00 at the door, and the proceeds benefit Veterans and First Responders.

In the main Autumn Fest area, Marketplace vendors (set up along Henry Street) will open to shoppers at 10:00am, and the Food Vendors will open at 11:00am.

Fox Pointe is located at 18138 Henry Street in Lansing, Illinois. Autumn Fest runs until 11:00pm on Saturday, and reopens from 10:00am–5:00pm on Sunday, October 7.

 

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.