A rainy day put a damper on Autumn Street Fair activities Saturday. The 21st annual event has never been cancelled, enduring a plethora of weather conditions over the years.
According to organizers, approximately 80 percent of the 200 vendors did arrive, hoping the weather forecast was wrong, and the sun would come out and shine on the downtown area. All entertainment was cancelled early in the morning due to the inclement weather. The fair is presented each year by members of the Leadership McMinnville class.
Baby show activities started at 10 a.m., utilizing the Chamber of Commerce for registering the contestants. Thirty-seven youngsters participated in the show, with each taking home balloons and treats. Showers started about half way through the program, but thanks to diligent parents and show organizers, the show went on.
First-place trophy winners include: Madelyn Elizabeth Luella Ferrell, Walker Lawson Slaughter, Tylee Mae Herriman, Titus Joseph Wilcher, Mila Marie Cantrell, Tyler Colwell, Tenlee Medley, Treeah Isabella Powell and Abigail and Anabelle Graves.
“We are so glad the parents and their family members came out and braved the rain,” said committee member Cassie Johnson. “The weather is something we can’t control, but we certainly tried to make it work.”
Exhibitors Melissa and Brett VanZant tried to keep warm and dry underneath their tent, complete with sides, and huddled under blankets for warmth. Their booth featured both fall and holiday wood decorative items, mostly made from pallets.
“My mom, Cheryl Jennings, and I both work on the projects, constructing and painting,” said Melissa.
Topz Frozen Yogurt’s outdoor display was a hit with many, as they served cups of steaming hot chocolate, with coffee being a big seller at other vendors.
Gwen Hildreth and daughter Lesley Neal had a brisk business for a while, selling several packages of Neal’s sweet items. Hildreth’s unique chenille pumpkins in assorted colors, shapes and sizes kept with the autumn theme.
Fair project manager Brook Holmes was very supportive of all those involved in planning the day.
“We did have a great turnout of vendors and customers despite the weather,” said Holmes. “A lot of people stuck it out as long as possible, but when we saw the rain was not letting up, we decided to cancel the rest of the show.”
As far as future plans concerning the outdoor event and weather situations, the Autumn Street Fair steering committee will be looking at the situation, discussing the options for future shows, but there will be no rescheduling of the 2015 fair.