Community gathers for first day of South Side Fall Festival
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The 36th Annual South Side Fall Festival is underway in Hyde Park from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, bringing food, fun and entertainment to the community.
Visitors can shop for unique handmade items and enjoy classic fair foods like funnel cakes and root beer. The festival also features live entertainment throughout the weekend, along with dozens of local vendors.
"We've got turkey legs; we've got brisket,; we've got chicken; we've got pulled pork; everything we do is homemade," said Ryan Polsgrove, Co-owner of CR BBQ. "All the barbecue is wood-fired. we cut the wood ourselves and make our own rubs. If you don't believe us, we've got free samples. come on out and try it."
Hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.
"For four years we've been coming out here, said Jeff Bailey, vendor with Designs to LOL, "It's a great time, love the music, love the people that come in and read our signs and laugh. It's great!"
A parade, one of the festival’s highlights, steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, rain or shine. Admission to the festival is free.
This year, there will be a tribute ceremony on Friday at 6 p.m. to Gary Pettis, the previous chair of the event, who passed away in March, to honor his memory.
