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Roscoe Fall Festival carried out fun traditions
MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO The Herald
Ella McKinley took a spin on the Baja Buggy.
Gates opened at Leland Park to everyone as the Roscoe Fall Festival began as two out of three planned days of fun returned on the weekend of Sept. 9 and 10. Roscoe Lions welcomed enthusiastic festival lovers each day to what is typically a three day tradition.
Unfortunately most of Sunday’s events were canceled due to heavy, nonstop rain but the Roscoe United Methodist Men carried out the tradition of serving a fantastic pancake breakfast under a sheltered area.
The Roscoe Lions Fall Festival has been ongoing for 111 years, with the Roscoe Lions Club holding the reins for 52 of those.
Different generations who came to the event as a child are now bringing their own children and grandchildren to this always popular event.
Skinners Amusements set up carnival rides covering every age bracket. Popular ride choices for little ones included swings, a dragon coaster, and the Baja Buggy.
Mixed ages had fun on a Super Slide, a fun house, or riding the Zipper, Cliffhanger, the Tornado or the super fast Re-Mix.
Rows of carnival food booths offered everything from pizza, elephant ears, funnel cakes, ice cream, beverages, and much more. The Lions Cafe was open with the long time favorite option of creamy chicken on a biscuit. A ham dinner and pork chops were also on the menu. The Roscoe VFW also offered and served up delicious food.
Adult beverages such as beer, wine or Bloody Mary’s could be purchased at the Poison Ivy Pub beer tent.
Games filled the midway, only tapping the surface of fun to be had throughout the weekend.
Basketball, knocking a bottle over, picking a frog, and a balloon game gave players an opportunity to win a prize. More plays at a game offered a chance to trade up a smaller prize for a larger one.
Young and young at heart visited “Teddy Mountain” where a stuffed animal is chosen. Animals ranged from bears to rhinos or other fun choices. All are shown how to create a special piece and how to properly insert the stuffing, which is spun in a glass box.
Another cool option that was offered allowed festival-goers to create a memory as an artist drew caricatures.
The Harlem Roscoe booth was a popular hot spot where children were given fire hats. Food options were also available in their tent.
Another long time favorite event is “Lions Bingo” which brought on hours of laughs and chances to win.
A line up of entertainment consisted of acts that covered many genres of music. OCMC with Greg and Kevin, The 80’s Hit List, and Karaoke by Johnny hit the main stage. Distilled Band was originally set to take the stage on Sunday.
Local vendors, churches, politicians, businesses and organizations were set up in an exhibitor tent. All were ready to greet the public as they came through to give out information or provided an educational opportunity; while gaining valuable exposure. Tupperware consultant Tina Spence said, “I am always so glad to have the opportunity to be here.”
One of the vendors was the Roscoe Township Historical Society who set up a fun, unique booth offering old time photos. Those who participated were allowed to choose period correct costumes and accessories.
Saturday morning brought a “Kiddie Costume Parade “to life. Children dressed up in their favorite costumes. Special prizes were awarded in different age groups with the top boys and girls in each taking home these prizes. All participants received a free drink coupon plus a ride ticket.
The Lions raffle drew winning tickets for one $5,000 cash prize winner, a second place $1,500 winner and a third place who received $1,000. Additionally 10 prizes of $50 each were drawn at random from a large drum.
As always admission to the festival was free. Roscoe Lions Club adheres by the motto, “We Serve.”
Roscoe Lions Club works year round to support others. Roscoe Lions give $500 in scholarships to deserving students of Hononegah high school every year. Over the years these scholarships that have been awarded total more than $100,000.00. They also lend a hand at annual Lions Fish’n Fun events and donate to a variety of organizations.
Part of what Lions Clubs do is show support for those who are hearing or sight impaired. Following along these lines used eyeglasses were collected and placed in boxes during the festival.
The spirit of community and the mission of the Lions Club was evident at the 2022 Roscoe Lions Club Fall Festival. Options for fun for everyone were everywhere on the festival grounds while long time traditions were upheld!
