Fall for Clinton festivities will fill the day on October 12
By Sherry Lucas
Autumn leaves and cool breezes signal the time is ripe for the annual Fall for Clinton Olde Towne Market, set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, on the brick streets.
Artisans galore will gather to offer shoppers a full range of items, from fall decor to cottage foods, crocheted animals to leather crafts, woodworking to Halloween jewelry, baked treats to pottery and goods preserved from summer’s bounty. About sixty to seventy vendors usually fill out the fall market, so Clintonians can channel their inner harvest urge and start gathering up goodies.
“People are spending more money in the fall,” said Main Street Director Tara Lytal. “They’re thinking about the holidays, and this just kicks that off.”
Main Street Clinton has cast a more critical eye on its selection of craft vendors and their handmade goods in recent years.
“We’ve definitely seen an elevation, and people comment that the quality of our vendors has been really good.”
The annual highlight is the Chick-fil-A Pet Parade, as owners get into the Halloween spirit and costume their canines (and often themselves) in fun and creative ways.
“Oh, they are amazing,” Lytal said, with a chuckle, remembering a themed duo with a three-headed dog and owner dressed to match in coordinating Harry Potter-related garb, a pirate-costumed dog with a little fake bird on his shoulder and small dogs dressed as babies.
The Chick-fil-A Cows are on hand to round out the fun animal action and lead the parade. Awards are given in categories such as Biggest Pet, Smallest Pet, Best Trick, Best Costume and Owner/Pet Lookalike. Pets of all sizes, shapes and costumes are welcome.
“They get into it, it’s really cute,” Main Street Clinton Assistant Jackie Massey said. “Pets attend in their costumes, and the crowd loves it!” The Pet Parade winds through the market, to the delight of all.
The Rev. Bob Blanton from Episcopal Church of the Creator will deliver the Blessing of the Pets. A new fun element coming this year is a giant inflatable dog on loan from Paul Moak Honda Subaru.
Food trucks will be onsite with popcorn, sweet treats and more.
