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Shades of Fall, Harvest Fest draw a crowd to downtown Alpena

By Torianna Marasco 3 min read

ALPENA -- Despite the warm summer weather, members of the community came together on Saturday to enjoy the Shades of Fall Festival in downtown Alpena.

The Thunder Bay Arts Council hosted the event in conjunction with a new Harvest Fest, sponsored by Thunder Bay Winery. Shades of Fall was featured from noon to 3 p.m., followed by the Harvest Fest until 9 p.m.

The Shades of Fall Festival offered plenty for the kids to enjoy, including crafts, an inflatable obstacle course, yard games, and more.

In Culligan Plaza, kits were provided for kids to make their own sailboats and watch them float in the fountain. On 2nd Avenue, a table was filled with totes for kids to decorate as their trick-or-treat bags for Halloween.

Also for the kids, Kevin Kammeraad and Friends held puppet shows with lots of audience participation and songs, and a hayride singalong was offered.

Nearby, patrons could watch live pumpkin carving stations as the artists turn their fruit into beautiful designs.

Members of the Michigan Army National Guard were present and brought several fun activities, including an inflatable obstacle course, Connect 4, and a mat and suits for those who wanted to try sumo wrestling.

Various themed yard games were available for everyone to enjoy, including Candy Corn Ring Toss, Pumpkin Bean Bag Toss, and Pumpkin Bowling.

A call back to the Flower Fest, Wilson's Lasting Expressions held a fall-themed build-your-own-bouquet station with lots of orange, yellow, red, and white flowers to tie in all the fall colors.

Throughout 2nd Avenue, businesses displayed their uniquely decorated scarecrows, adding to the fall decor.

Starting at 11 a.m., the Thunder Bay Winery was open throughout both events for the adults to stop by for some wine.

The winery offered glasses, flights, and tastings, and even had new flavors available and drink specials for those who stopped by.

Later in the afternoon, business picked up for the winery as it hosted its Harvest Fest.

Glasses were poured and more yard games were featured, like life-sized Jenga, corn hole, and ladder toss.

Live music began at 3 p.m. and continued through the evening. Ethereal Purr and Way Our Wayne, as well as June St. Riot, were musical guests who played at the event.

Also for the Harvest Fest, food opportunities were plentiful from the Smoking Trolls food truck to a hot dog eating contest at Bob's Bull Pen and a taco bar at Mango's.

The festival allowed the community to get a solid kick-off to the fall season while enjoying the last bit of summer weather.

Torianna Marasco can be reached at 989-358-5686 or tmarasco@thealpenanews.com.

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