By Samantha Joseph
Staff writer
PALM CITY - As the Palm City Chamber of Commerce gears to host the fourth annual Fall Fest, organizers are preparing for an event they say will bring thousands to the area.
Last year about 7,000 attended the festival that grew from an initiative from Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi.
And if early interest is any indication, organizers said they expect similar attendance numbers this year.
"It's the only event in Palm City that's for the community," said Carolyn Davi, executive director of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce.
"There was nothing else, and it's been really well received."
This year's festival is set for Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lance Cpl. Justin Wilson Memorial Park, located at 2050 S.W. Mapp Road. Admission is free of charge, but a $5 fee is required for children entering the kids' zone.
Fall Fest is set to feature a car show, live entertainment, crafts, games and food from vendors from across the region.
Gina Rodriguez, a committee member working on festival preparations, said attendees can expect entertainment with broad appeal and activities suitable for all ages.
Attractions range from a children's area with pumpkin decorating and other games to performances by the Hot Rods, a local band whose repertoire includes songs from the 1950s to today.
Area children will participate by staging performances. Palm City Elementary School's choir will perform, while students from Bessey Creek are set to put on a Halloween show. Hidden Oaks Middle School student are also set to participate with jazz and cheerleading performances.
"This is a fun event that brings residents of Palm City and surrounding areas together to welcome the season," Ms. Rodriguez said. "It also brings the kids together to highlight their skills and interests."
Community-based groups, such as Martin County Fire Rescue, will also contribute. The firefighters are creating a haunted house for the festival.
"Fall Fest is one of those events that's just more local, with sack races and tug-of-war, rather than a carnival-type atmosphere," Ms. Davi said. "It's really a community event."
For more information, call (772) 286-8121.