This past weekend, the streets of Fairborn were packed with entertainment for people of all ages. Local residents and people from across the Midwest gathered downtown to celebrate the seventh annual Fairborn Halloween Festival, which took place from Friday to Sunday.
The fair, which is always held on the third weekend of October, hosted a handful of rides, games, live music, decorations and shopping.
“I think there’s something for everybody here,” said Matt Owen, executive director of the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce.
Amusement rides were open all weekend, along with fair games. Foy’s Haunted Museum was open on Friday and Saturday night.
Also available at the fair were 85 vendors, including about 15 food vendors and food trucks. For the first time since the fair’s inception, Fairborn managed to sell out all its space to vendors, Owen said.
The downtown area was decorated by Mike Foy, owner of Foy’s Haunted Museum and a collection of other Halloween-themed stores in Fairborn.
At 6 p.m. on Friday night, attendees had the option to participate in costume judging at the YMCA. The title of “overall scariest costume” was awarded to John Collansworth, who dressed as a giant Grim Reaper. Michelle and Derrick Barthol received the “overall best couple” title for their Victorian Ghost costumes. Other participants received top placements in multiple different categories.
Afterward at 7 p.m., people joined the Spooktacular Parade, marching in costume from the YMCA to the main stage downtown.
Other Friday attractions included included live music performed by Mark Gearo, crafts and other activities at the Fairborn YMCA and a rock and country performance by One Hot Minute.
On Saturday, the Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance performed at noon, followed by The Dueling Dames, a sword fighting play and an American Tribal Style belly dance Duet. Rock It 88, a ‘60s and ‘70s cover band, played at the main stage from 6-7 p.m.
Sunday was a family day full of fair rides, games and shopping.
“This festival continues to grow,” said Owen. “It is a pretty big deal.”
This year, attendance maxed out at roughly 5,500, according to Owen. This number is significantly lower than past years’ attendance, which usually reaches 10,000.
Owen attributes the decreased turnout to poor weather. Two Friday events were cancelled due to rain. On the fair’s Facebook page, nearly 14,000 people confirmed that they were planning to attend.
Despite this, the fair attracted people from across the Midwest, including Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.
Owen spoke to a couple that came from Springfield, Missouri and stayed the whole weekend despite the weather, “Even through the rain and the wind, [they] absolutely had a fantastic time and they’re planning on coming back next year.”
“The poor weather conditions really kept people away, but we’re going to regroup and plan for another big event next year,” Owen said.
