For several months, plans were made, vendors were contacted, entertainers scheduled and perhaps a few prayers said for the 23rd Autumn Street Fair held Saturday in downtown McMinnville. 
The day-long event is presented by the current Leadership McMinnville class, and featured approximately 160 booth vendors. They could not have asked for a better day, at least weather wise, as the day started with a few clouds, but the sun soon emerged on the crowd of thousands. 
The newly added Kid Zone was a flurry of activity throughout the day, with children jumping inside two inflatables or participating in a variety of games.
“This is new this year, and it’s is a huge success,” said Leadership member Candace Roland. “The games are provided by the Southern Baptist Association, with Leadership providing the jump houses and cotton candy.”
Lots of shopping was going on, with visitors choosing from a variety of unique clothing items, as well as fall décor items and a number of other interesting items.
For visitors, hunger was not an option, as food vendors were plentiful. Barbecue nachos, breakfast items, cotton candy, kettle corn, burgers, hot dogs, baked goods and much more were available to satisfy any appetite.
Linda Cope stayed busy filling customer’s orders at Molly’s Sweet Shop, which featured everything baked.
“My daughter, Rita Hamilton, loves baking and spends a lot to time in the kitchen,” said Cope. “I just get a kick out of helping her.”
Two stages were filled throughout the day with various entertainment acts. The day started with performances from the California Club and Cannon Arts Dance Studio, followed by the Sonic Circus Load and Tate Welch, Bellensberg, Josh Wanamaker and The Arcade Aquarium and others filled out the evening slate of entertainers. 
A baby show featuring cuties 4 years and younger was held on the stage at the Chamber of Commerce building. 
Bubbles could be seen floating throughout the air, all coming from vendor Edwin Borlay. His unique bubble machine was a hit last year, and he decided to visit the street fair again. The Liberia native resides in Nashville.
“It is a wonderful show, and everybody loves the bubbles,” said Borlay. “There is something about bubbles that makes you smile.”