Drizzle, Cooler Weather Doesn’t Stop Old Town Fall Festival Spirit

Post author:independentnws
Post published:October 14, 2014
Post category:Florissant
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THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS QUEEN ALEX PHIFER and the 2014 Court were servers at the annual Chili Cookoff at held Click’s Heating & Cooling on rue St. Francois. Cook Off winners were Pam Lee, who took first place, and Laurie Lowery, who took second place.

Story and Photos By Nichole Richardson

It’s difficult to believe this year’s and last year’s Old Town Fall Festival occurred during the same season! Last year was warm and stunningly beautiful, while this year was the opposite. Still, that did not stop people from braving the cool temperatures and rain to come out and participate in two crowd favorites: Fido’s Follies and the Children’s Art Festival.

The chihuhua in the pumpkin suit is Skippy (left) who won Crowd Favorite and Smallest.

Fido’s Follies is the annual dog show where proud owners bring their pooches to compete against one another for winning titles, and the Children’s Art Festival allows the community youth to get a chance to put their creative skills to work.

In keeping with tradition, the event kicked off at the Government Center located at the east end of St. Francois Street and began at 3:30 on Sunday afternoon, after the drizzle stopped. Dog owners and their canines competed for trophies, plaques, and medals.

The great dane dressed for breast cancer awareness is Maggie and won Biggest.

Baronwood Kennels graciously hosted once again, with owner Terrie Bert, doing a great job as emcee (as always). The contest was free to enter and only required that all dogs be licensed and current on their vaccinations.

Contestants could enter their dogs in one or several categories, including Best Costume, Hairiest, Biggest, Smallest, Best Kisser, and Best Trick and Crowd Favorite. The judges had a tough time and winners were chosen for first and second place this year. (see list of winners on page 12)

Children’s Art Festival

City Hall’s lawn was once again home to the Children’s Art Festival, hosted by the Hazelwood Head Start Program and Florissant Valley Community College. Kid’s delighted in making their own fall crafts such as bingo dot coloring pages, Candy Corn bead necklaces, paper plate scarecrows, and “Happy Fall” headbands, among other crafts.

HAZELWOOD CENTRAL EARLY CHILDHOOD had a table set up for the children to make special art projects during the Fall Festival on Sunday.

Teacher Assistant, Jennifer Phillips with Hazelwood Early Childhood Central, really enjoyed helping the children to make their special projects and sharing in their festive joy. “We had a great time…despite the rain,” laughed Phillips.

Nearby at the Council Chambers, MOCHIPS and the Florissant Police Department offered free child identification kits for interested parents.

THE FALLEN HEROES DREAM RIDE, a 1951 Chevy that honors Marine L/Cpl. Phillip Vinnedge, was on display at the Fall Festival. Vinnedge dreamed of restoring a similar truck before he was killed in Afghanistan. Ray Cranme (shown here) was one of two painters who provided the life-like artwork for the custom automobile. The mother of the fallen warrior is depicted on the door of the truck (in background). She was also present at the event. The vehicle has been the subject of many media reports and travels the metro area for events like the Fall Festival.

For those who came out to support the festival this year, bravo! And if the weather kept you away, these great events will be back next year and hopefully bring the sun with them.