Festivities return to downtown O’Fallon for fall fun

The Downtown District in O’Fallon has resumed hosting activities geared towards autumn and Halloween, with a returning Witches and Wizards event Saturday, Oct. 16; a new Halloween Hunt Pub Crawl on Saturday Oct. 30, and the final seasonal Vine Street Market on Saturday Oct. 16, which includes a pumpkin decorating contest.

And entries are now being accepted for the city’s Veterans Day Parade, one of the largest in the area, on Thursday, Nov. 11, and the Illuminated Holiday Parade, which resumes after a year off, now planned for Saturday, Nov. 27.

After canceling most events last fall, merchants are eager to entice shoppers, diners, and revelers to return downtown.

After the economic development initiative Destination: O’Fallon was approved in fall 2016, and the O’Fallon Station was built in 2018, the Downtown District merchants formed a business group that promotes activities.

Community Development Director Justin Randall has watched the area flourish and is enthusiastic about its continued development. He said he is impressed that the business owners want to work together for its success.

“That growth is a real testament to the work and investment made by our Downtown District businesses to become a regional destination,” he said.

Several new storefronts and food places have opened: Gears at Bike Surgeon, Birch Market, Boarding House Bistro and Saddleback Chocolates among them.

Chrissy Johnson, who opened Boarding House Bistro a year ago Oct. 26 with her husband, Jim, said she knew downtown was where their business should be.

“Our hearts are in O’Fallon. We love how the city has grown and the ongoing improvements being made to downtown. We are so excited to be a part of making it a desirable destination,” Johnson said. “We love our quaint little spot.”

As chair of the Halloween Hunt Pub Crawl, Johnson is eager for people to be festive.

“It will be a great time,” she said. “There are so many events planned for the downtown in the next few months that are so exciting.”

Vine Street Market

One of success stories is the farmer’s market at O’Fallon Station – Vine Street Market, which will end its regular season this Saturday, Oct. 16. However, the Winter Market is set for Saturday, Dec. 11, with a focus on the upcoming holidays.

This year, Vine Street Market has rebounded from the coronavirus public health crisis mandates of 2020 with steady numbers and signs point to a promising future in 2022. The market specializes in handmade and homegrown products from within a 100-mile radius.

Market Coordinator Sarah Burton said the season’s largest attendance was recorded Oct. 2, with nearly 800 people over the four-hour period.

“Prior to that, July 17 and Sept. 18 were our other largest days,” Burton said. “We currently average just over 500 people per weekend. While we aren’t back to the same attendance numbers as our opening year in 2019, we are doing much better than 2020 and growing. It’s exciting,” Burton said.

Entry registration for the pumpkin decorating contest closed Oct. 7. The public will be able to vote, with the top vote-getter winning a bundle of vendor products valued at over $500. Saturday hours are from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Winter Market on Dec. 11 will be from 3:30-7:30 p.m., and about 50 vendors are expected to participate, Burton said. Carriage rides are planned (go to social media platforms to sign up, beginning at the end of October).

For 2022, they are already in full planning mode, Burton said.

“We have several fun additions we hope to implement for next season. The market footprint will be expanding to offer a wider variety of vendors, a kids activity area is planned, a variety of demonstrations will be offered and more food trucks. We are working on the details daily and hope to bring an even better market to the community next year,” she said.

Witches and Wizards Night

The inaugural Witches and Wizards Night downtown in 2019 was so successful merchants have planned another spooktacular evening from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.

This is an adults-only night out, which means participants must be 21 or older to attend. Participation wristbands, at $5 each, will be available from 4-6 p.m. at the O’Fallon Station patio and next to the red caboose on First Street.

Guests are encouraged to dress up in witch and wizard-themed attire. A costume contest will take place at 8 p.m. at the VFW, 221 W. First Street, with prizes and trophies for overall winners and custom awards for category winners.

Judges will select: Best Hat, witch and wizard; Best Broom, witch; Best Walking Cane or Staff, wizard; Best Makeup Overall; Best Cackle; Most Original Costume Overall, witch and wizard.

Participating businesses include Boarding House Bistro, 212 E. State St.; Courage & Grace, 300 W. State St.; Fezziwig’s Marketplace, 225 W. First St.; 1st Street Lounge, 119 W. First Street; Gia’s Pizza, 102 W. State St.; Hemingway’s Zen Garden, 123 E. First St.; Mandy’s Place, 108 E. State St.; Peel Wood Fired Pizza, 104 S. Cherry St.; Refinery Salon and Merchant Parlor, 115 E. First St.; Shooters Bar & Grill, 113 E. First St.; Sweet Katie Bee’s 131 E. First St.; and VFW Post 805.

Bars and restaurants will offer themed-cocktails, retail shops have specials and fortune tellers and gypsies will be out. Refinery Salon will offer Tarot Card readings. Live music is planned for some venues. A special guest will arrive at dusk on or near the railroad tracks.

For more information, visit: https://www.ofallondowntowndistrict.com/event/witches-and-wizards-night-out/.

Downtown Dog Day

Julie Hughes of Furchild specialty pet boutique is hosting a special day celebrating dogs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, on the East First Street bus lane.

The day will include a Doga class (yoga with your dog), pop-up obedience class, agility course and pet costume contest.

The agility course will in the grassy area behind the tent on First Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — it is free to use, but pets must remain leashed.

The pop-up obedience class is at noon and is taught by Freedom Dog Sports. Cost is $10, and it will be on a first come, first served basis.

The costume contest is set for 2 p.m. under the tent, with winners announced at 2:30 p.m.

A scrub-a-thon fundraiser will donate proceeds to the Belleville Area Humane Society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $25 for washing and drying a dog, and no appointment is necessary.

A Microchipping Clinic will take place with St. Clair County Animal Welfare advocates from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the tent with pets served on a first come, first served. The cost is $10 for neutered pets, and $15 for those that are not.

“Be sure to check out businesses in the Downtown District for specials and free treats,” Hughes said. “Leashed, well-behaved dogs are only allowed indoors if the business has a gold paw sticker on the front door. Patio seating and water bowls are available at many of the restaurants downtown.”

The Halloween Hunt Pub Crawl

People can solve puzzles, riddles and find clues while barhopping with friends for a chance to win the Halloween Hunt and prizes during a downtown Pub Crawl from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30.

Teams of 10 or less are encouraged to sign up (fee is $100 per team) and dress up for a team costume contest. For information, visit: https://bit.ly/hhpubcrawl.

To register, sign up here: https://ofallonchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/7413.

The 10 participating businesses include Boarding House Bistro, Gears, Shooters, 1st Street Lounge, Peel, VFW Post 805, Gia’s, Mandy’s, American Legion and Hemingway’s Zen Garden.

Veterans Day Parade Returns

The annual Veterans Day Parade will take place rain or shine at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, without delay or cancellation. The route will start on South Hilgard, turning west (left) on Third Street, then north (right) on Lincoln Avenue, then west (left) on First Street, ending at the Sgt. Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805, 221 W. First St. If interested in participating, email: vetdayparade805@gmail.com.

Holiday Parade Returns

Beth Ortega and her elves are excited to bring the community back together Saturday, Nov. 27, with the lighted parade that has become a holiday tradition.

“We missed everyone last year. It’s the best holiday parade around. It’s bigger and better every year, and this one will be epic,” she said. “It’s a joy for all ages.”

Parade registration is now available for floats, marching units, dance troupes, companies and other lighted holiday units, and so are sponsor applications, with volunteer sign-up shortly. Visit: https://ofallonholidayparade.com.

“All units, including pedestrians in the parade, must be lighted,” Ortega said.

The festive parade will roll through the downtown streets beginning at 6 p.m. New this year will be a post-parade community gathering near Santa’s Hut, with refreshments and prizes. Word is Santa Claus may make an appearance.

“This year, we will continue to build and grow this community gathering with the Sponsor’s Expo Event post parade,” she said.

Information is on the website regarding the post-parade party, parking, route details and more.

This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 4:20 PM.