The 11th Mt. Vernon Fall Festival is almost here! On September 29th and 30th, “Sweet Home Mt. Vernon” Fall Fest will fill 9th street and the downtown area with two days of exciting entertainment.
Listen to live entertainment both days on the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Stage. Free admission with no tickets required. Friday night will feature the opening act, 90’s Kidz at 5:15 p.m. Sing along to popular 90s music with tributes to the Foo Fighters, Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind, Backstreet Boys, Goo Goo Dolls, Pearl Jam, and so many more. Forming in 2019, the 90’s Kidz have opened for multi-platinum selliing artist, The Plain White T’s. Friday night’s headliner is American alternative rock band, Vertical Horizon. In 1999, after releasing their breakout album, “Everything You Want”, the title track took the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Adult Top 40 charts, and became Billboard’s Most Played Single of 2000. In 2005, country singer Gary Allen covered their hit, “Best I Ever Had” and it became a top 20 country hit for the country star. Lead singer Matt Scannell has also written songs for singer Cascade Pop and NBC’s “Chicago Fire”. Vertical Horizon will start at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, enjoy three spectacular bands at no cost. At 2:30 p.m., St. Louis’s premier country band, Burnin’ Bridges, will deliver a high-energy show. Next, Brandon Davis will take the stage at. 5:30 p.m. In 2022, Davis went on a 17-show tour with country singer Tim McGraw. His song, “Step by Step” landed number 4 on the Billboard charts. Mt. Vernon Fall Festival Headliner, Deana Carter will perform at 8 p.m. Carter’s greatest hits include “Strawberry Wine”, “Did I Shave My Legs For This”, and “How Do I Get There”. Carter showcases a blend of country, retro-rock, and folksy tones. She also co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s chart topper, “You & Tequila”.
Join the Mt. Vernon Fall Fest Cruise-In presented by Monken Toyota on Friday the 29th from 5-8 p.m. Free entry for cars, motorcycles, and trucks and free admission for the public. View classic cars on 9th Street between Broadway and Harrison. Awards will be given at 7:30 p.m.
This year’s 2023 Mt. Vernon Fall Festival Parade Presented by Crossroads Community Hospital will be held Saturday, September 30th at 1 p.m. The theme is “Sweet Home Mt. Vernon”. Awards will be given in various categories including Mayor’s Choice, Best Use of Theme, Best Decorated Vehicle, and more. Included in the parade is a local Marching Band Competition, where winning schools will receive cash prizes. The parade will start at 7th and Main St. and end at 7th St. and Newby. To register a float, call the Mt. Vernon Tourism Office at 618-242-3151.
The Beer & Wine tent will be open both days with locally sourced brews and wine. Head over on Saturday from 3-5 p.m. during Happy Hour to get $1 off drinks! Food truck vendors will be in abundance all weekend long, as well. Enjoy your favorite festival foods such as kettle corn, corn dogs, funnel cakes, nachos, pretzels, sno cones, and shake-ups. Nom Nom Cookies, The Gourmet Kettle Co, Taco Jo’s, Ringside Buffet, and Arctic Oasis are just a few delicious food vendors that will be there!
A variety of other vendors will be set up on 9th St. Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Items you can expect to see include soaps, clothing, crafts, jewelry, hair bows, oils, crochet items, and even a cat cafe truck!
At Fall Fest, there is fun for the whole family! The Kid’s Zone will feature free inflatables, laser tag and a free selfie station. New this year is the United Way Midway Games featuring skeeball, hoop shoot, and more! Free pumpkin painting will also be provided by the Mt. Vernon Business Women’s Club. Other activities that can be enjoyed for a small cost include face painting and Gellyball.
Get in touch with your crafty side and enter a pumpkin into the Pumpkin Decorating contest! Pumpkins may be dropped off Saturday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Winners will receive a cash prize.
Clear your calendars on the last weekend of September to spend your time in downtown Mt. Vernon. You won’t want to miss this year’s “Sweet Home Mt. Vernon” Fall Fest!
