9-17-2024 3:48am

Roscoe Fall Festival: fun times for everyone

The Roscoe Fall Festival opened its gates to everyone as three days of fun returned to Leland Park on the weekend of Sept. 6-8, 2024.

Roscoe Lions welcomed large crowds each day of this three day tradition. This year marked the 114th anniversary of the festival with Roscoe Lions taking the reins for 54 of those.

As always, there was no admission fee to enter the festival grounds. The event holds fond memories for many. Generations who came as children are now bringing their own children and grandchildren.

Skinner's Amusements set up rides for every age bracket. Popular ride choices for little ones included Tea Cups, Lolly Swing, the Orient Express, the Super Slide, plus a Beach Party fun house. The Zipper, Cliffhanger, and the Remix appealed to those (including middle schoolers) who wanted to take on faster, more challenging rides.

Rows of carnival food booths offered everything from pizza or burgers to corn dogs, hot dogs, Chinese fare, BBQ style foods, elephant ears, funnel cakes, beverages, and much more.

The Harlem-Roscoe Fire booth was a popular hot spot where team members gave children fire hats. The fire department booth also featured sweet corn.

The Lions Cafe was open with an option of creamy chicken on a biscuit - a long time favorite - on Friday, ham dinner on Saturday, and pork chop dinner on Sunday.

Beer, wine or Bloody Marys could be purchased by adults at the Poison Ivy Pub beer tent.

Games filled the midway, only tapping the surface of fun to be had throughout the weekend.

Basketball games, knock a bottle over, water guns, pick a frog, and a balloon pop game gave players an opportunity to win a prize. Carnival barkers offered players a chance to trade up a smaller prize for a larger one if they kept playing.

The Lions announced attendance prizes and daily 50/50 raffle periodically.

First Congregational Community Church generously hosted a free clothing giveaway, a tradition that has been ongoing for many years.

In the exhibitor tent, local vendors and organizations were set up to greet the public as they came through to give out information or provided an educational opportunity; while gaining valuable exposure.

In the Roscoe Township Historical Society's Old Tyme Photo Booth,
modern day visitors put on old-fashioned costumes while volunteer Doris Tropp took their photos and worked them in three different classic Roscoe backgrounds from the 1800s.

Roscoe Township Historical Society gave away a memorial brick to Tia Hanson of Rockton.

The bingo tent was a hot spot for laughs and chances to win cash prizes.

Musical acts covered many genres of music. On Friday O.G.M.C., with Kevin n Greg & Osiris, performed a blend of music from the 50's and beyond, led by Roscoe Lion Dan Tritten. Saturday found Dead Man's Hand who dished up Southern Fried rock and roll on the main stage. Rounding out the main acts, Lola Blu brought sounds of country vibes to the stage on Sunday evening.

Karaoke by Johnny West and Friends displayed local amateur talents. All proceeds from karaoke are being given to Vets Roll.

Saturday morning brought a kiddie costume parade to life. Children dressed up in their favorite costumes. The top boys and girls in each age group took home these prizes and were invited to take part in Sunday's mega sized parade down Main Street. All participants received a free drink coupon plus a ride ticket.

Sunday morning started off right with breakfast at Leland Park which was prepared by Roscoe United Methodist Men, who served all you can eat pancakes, breakfast and sausages.

As spectators lined connecting streets, this year's parade was started off by the Roscoe VFW Color Guard. Youth organizations, Lions Club members, original floats, unique cars, dignitaries and various marching bands from local schools added great excitement in one of the largest parades of the year, down Main Street from Bridge Street to Williams Street.

Sunday night closed out the festival. Lions Club members had help from two younger volunteers who picked winners' names in the Lions raffle, including 10 prizes of $50 each. The $3,000 cash prize winner was Guy Hendrickson. The second place $1,500 winner was Forest City Gear, with Jim Blevins winning $1,000.

Roscoe Township Historical Society President Laura Zwart presented the Heritage Award to the Roscoe VFW, which has served the community since 1961.

Festival fans came from as far away as Wisconsin. Rockton resident Mae Larkin said, "My second grandson, who is not quite three, makes the pilgrimage from Sun Prairie to spend the weekend to go to the festival."

"This was the second time he attended and he loved the parade. He is just getting the hang of candy being thrown, and the safety rules about going into the street. We jammed to the Dead Man's Hand on Saturday, we rode the Teacups and dragon roller coaster (the Orient Express). We shared Kona Ice Grape, an ear of sweet corn, and a funnel cake to top off the end of summer."

"We will definitely be return customers and add his little sister next year," Larkin said.

Roscoe Lions Club works year round to support others. They adhere to the motto, We Serve.

In 2024 the Roscoe Lions awarded eight $1,000 scholarships to Hononegah Community High School students. Roscoe Lions encourage volunteerism of youth through the LEO program.

They have also helped at annual Lions Fish n Fun event and donate to a variety of organizations.

Roscoe Lions supports the international SightFirst program, which has helped more than 488 million people over the last 30 years. During the Fall Festival, they collected used eyeglasses in boxes.

Strong sponsorship and partnerships showed great support of one of the longest running festivals in the area.

Beautiful weather lasted all weekend long at the 2024 Roscoe Lions Fall Festival.