On the Road Again festival is Oct. 5
Jake Spitzack
Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again! Thousands of neighbors will flood the streets to celebrate the city and patronize the businesses that help keep it strong. The On the Road Again fall festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 5. Events run 9 a.m.-6 p.m. along Southview Boulevard and side streets. The festival was first organized in 1990 to celebrate the completion of a 2-year street, water and sewer project on Southview. Business owners organized the event to thank the community for supporting them during construction and it evolved into an annual event. Here’s what’s on the docket for this year’s festivities. Details were accurate as of press time.
Arts and Crafts Flea Market, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 100 vendors will offer bargains on vintage and handcrafted items.
Booyah World Championship, 11 a.m. until the last ladle is dished out. Community chefs use secret recipes to prepare a combined 700-800 gallons of stew as they compete for bragging rights. Sample their concoctions then cast your vote. Judging begins at noon. Last year’s winner was Bethesda Lutheran Church. For more details, contact Brenda at 651-528-8904.
Chalk Art Competition, returns for its second year, at 4th Avenue and Southview Boulevard. Fifteen artists from around the metro area and two from Iowa will create chalk art 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The public will cast votes for the winners, and judging will take place 3-3:30 p.m. First place winner will receive $350, second place $200, and third place $100. The winner of the “festival favorite” design will also get $350. The event also features a kids’ zone with complimentary chalk.
Cool Truck and Bass Boat, is a new free event, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Southview 66. Professional bass fisherman Tyler Darrow will teach children casting techniques.
Giant Medallion Car Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., between 9th and 12th avenues and side streets. Check out the wide array of vintage cars and trucks flaunting shiny chrome, custom detailing and other meticulous works of restoration.
Great Neighbors Duck Races, held 11 a.m.-3 p.m. near 9th and Southview. Heats are held every 15 minutes and three winners from each heat will receive a prize. Winners will advance to the final race where they will compete for a night-on-the-town package valued at $500. Ducks are available for $10 each and can be purchased at Neighbors, Inc., 222 Grand Ave. W., local businesses or at the event. Proceeds support programs and services at Neighbors Inc. For more information, call 651-455-5000 or visit neighborsmn.org.
Little Elko Quarter Midget Race Cars, is a new event at Southview 66. Four cars will be on display.
South St. Paul Lions Club Beer Garden and Raffle, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at 9th and Southview. Quench your thirst at the Lions Club beer garden and take part in their raffle drawing at 2:30 p.m.
Live music, 1-4 p.m., at 8th Avenue and Southview Boulevard. Vivian Hayes and Lamont Cranston will perform. Food, face painting and kids’ activities will be featured throughout the festival area.
Pickle Contest, judging begins at 2 p.m. Contestants will compete in three categories: sweet, dill and hot. To enter the contest, drop off your pickles by 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5 at Southview 66, 725 Southview Blvd.