BERNIE, Mo. -- The Bernie Fall Fest this year will feature several new activities as well as lots of arts and crafts booths, food, pageants and activities for children. The festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bernie City Park.
New this year at the festival will be the Okay Kid's Corral which will feature games, activities and photo opportunities for children. There will also be miniature golf and a dunking booth. The first up to sit in the dunking booth is Coach Brad Botsch. Also on the schedule will be Gavin Miller, principal at the high school. Proceeds from the dunking booth will benefit the Bernie Fall Festival Committee.
The Fall Festival Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Those entering should be in the parking lot next to City Hall on Main Street by 9:30 a.m. The parade will go down Main Street from there to the schools. Everyone is welcome to participate in the parade. Those wishing to take part in the parade or in need of more information should call 573-820-3791.
Teresa Slinkard, festival committee chairperson, said there will lots of arts and crafts booths this year and already 10 food vendors have purchased space at Fall Fest.
The event will feature live music and dancing on the main stage throughout the day beginning at 11 a.m. with the Alex Beaird Band performing.
The featured performer will be Elvis impersonator Finley Watkins, a kindergartener who has performed at Graceland in Memphis and received rave reviews for his performances. Watkins will take the stage at 4 p.m.
Also preforming on the main stage will be Lorrie's Roxie Dolls (a dance troupe), Harold and the Boys, the Bernie Line Dancers and Larry and Rita Speight at 3 p.m.
There are 11 ages groups in the Bernie Fall Festival pageants which begin at noon. Anyone needing more information about the pageants may contact Tina Marshall at 573-270-4024.
The kickoff of the festival this year will be a 5K Splash Run starting at 8 a.m. The event is being sponsored by the Bernie First Assembly of God Church. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. The cost will be $20 for adults, $10 for children 10 years of age or under for those that pre-register. The cost the morning of the race will be $25 and $15 respectively. To pre-register, send registration forms and funds to Bernie First Assembly of God, P.O. Box 206, Bernie, Mo. 63822.
Festival tee shirts will be sold at the Mercantile Booth with proceeds going to the Festival Committee. For more information about the festival contact Slinkard at 573-820-3791.