by James Coulter
Though you might not be able to tell with the typical Florida weather, we currently are in the middle of autumn. (However, with the recent weather dropping to the “chilly” 60s, it’s technically jacket weather around these parts.) Last Saturday, several Auburndale residents and visitors celebrated the autumn season with the city’s annual fall fest.
The Auburndale Fall Fest drew hundreds of attendees downtown to the City Park, where they were able to bounce around in bounce houses, take a spin on a few carnival rides, peruse several dozen local vendors, listen to live music, and even check out a few dogs for adoption.
More than 80 vendors set up shop at the park in conjunction with the city’s First Saturday Market. These vendors showcase many of their wares, including homemade arts and crafts, clothing, local-grown honey and produce, and even freeze-dried candy.
Cody McGee, the City Recreational Director, owed their success this year and in previous years to the beneficial partnership between the City of Auburndale with the downtown market. Such cooperation allows the city to draw in both residents and visitors to the downtown area while the vendors attract potential customers.
“Everybody seems to be happy,” he said. “It seems to be good weather. Everything is working out. “I think we have a pretty good partnership with our First Saturday Market and the city because they want to bring in some funds to be able to bring in the fun stuff like bounce houses and the train ride and live music. And it gives us an opportunity for partnership. And it works out well. I enjoy seeing the kids and the face painting with the overall food and atmosphere.”
The City of Auburndale will be hosting several upcoming holiday events. Their annual tree lighting ceremony will officially kick off the holiday season on Dec. 7. Next will be the Havendale Holiday Parade, the annual parade held in conjunction with the City of Winter Haven, on Dec. 8. Finally will be Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 9.
For more information on upcoming events, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.mainstreetwh.com/
