Fall Festival is just around the corner

It’s September. That means cooler weather and the Roscoe Lions Club Fall Festival, the annual three-day, end-of-summer event that combines musical entertainment, food, a beer tent, parades, raffles, an exhibit tent and carnival rides and games.

As in other years, the event will be held at Leland Park in Roscoe.  Activities get underway on Friday Sept. 10, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 12, noon – 7:00 p.m.

Admission is free all three days.

One of the most popular attractions is the Bingo Tent.  Each day, Roscoe Lions Club members will take turns as callers.  Accommodations are being made to address social distancing and wearing masks.

Next door, the Lions Club Auxiliary will be cooking their home-style specialties in the Lion’s Café.

Plenty of food, ice cream and soft drink choices will be available throughout the park.

Beer, Bloody Mary’s and wine will be available at the beer tent, sponsored by Poison Ivy Bar and Grill.

Carnival rides and games, provided by Skinner Amusements, with special discount rates for children are scheduled on Saturday – Kids Day.

Saturday also features the Kiddie Parade.  This year the children’s event is sponsored by Midway Village Museum. Children who want to march in the parade should arrive at the Leland Shelter at 10: 00 a.m.  Craft kits, provided by Midway Village, will be given to all children participating in the parade.

Babs The Sock Monkey will lead the parade around the park, ending at the Main Stage.

Everyone is encouraged to stop by the huge exhibit tent on the south side of the park. It’s open every day.  Small businesses, crafters, and area organizations will provide information and items for sale. There may even be a few candidates for local and state offices shaking hands and greeting visitors.

Lions Club members will be selling attendance tickets and 50/50 raffle tickets throughout the festival. The winning raffle ticket, worth $5,000, will be announced on Sunday evening.

Take in free concerts on the Main Stage featuring a variety of entertainment options including:

• “The 80’s Hit List,” on Friday, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
• Country/rock group “UTR” is on stage 12:00 – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
• “Minimal” takes the stage, 6:00 -10:00 p.m.
• Sunday features Karaoke by Johnny West & Friends
• “OGMC” wraps up the entertainment, 3:30 – 7:30 P.M.

Start your day on Sunday with breakfast in the Leland Park Shelter 7:00 - 9:45 a.m.  It’s sponsored by Roscoe United Methodist Church.  Cost is $7.00.  Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and drinks.

Fall Festival will not end with a bang as in previous years.  The annual fireworks display won’t be happening this year.

The Lions Club is a national volunteer organization that was founded in 1917.  They provide eyeglass programs, hearing testing, diabetes awareness, and scholarships, through fundraising endeavors, including the annual Roscoe Lions Club Fall Festival.

The club is always looking for new members. Visit the Lions Club booth at the festival for information about becoming a Lions Club member.

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