Wake Up Tri-Counties Peg and Connie Talk Stark County Fall Festival on September 19 and 20, 2026

Stark County Fall Festival Returns to Wyoming September 19-20 The annual Stark County Fall Festival is returning to Thomas Park in Wyoming on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, with two full days of food, entertainment, activities, vendors and family fun. Peggy and Connie recently joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to preview this year's festival, which promises something for visitors of all ages. Organizers are planning to make Saturday a special kids' day, with activities including inflatables, face painting, kids' games, a pedal tractor pull and old-fashioned children's games. At 2 p.m., children can participate in activities such as gunny sack races, noodle races and relay races. Organizers say there will also be surprises, and no child will leave without something. The festival will also feature a petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, provided by Linquist's Mini Farms. Characters in costume will also walk through the park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving children an opportunity to meet some new friends. Music will be featured throughout the weekend, with Caden Leisure scheduled to perform around noon on Saturday. The Stark County Fair Queens will also be on hand to help with the children's games. Plenty of Food and Shopping Visitors can enjoy plenty of food throughout the festival, including breakfast options. The Wyoming Lions Club will serve pancakes and sausage Saturday morning, while Cozy Ranch will provide biscuits, gravy and eggs Sunday morning. A large selection of crafters and vendors will also fill Thomas Park. Organizers say shoppers can find everything from baked goods and candles to wood products, Tupperware and other handmade and specialty items. Vendors include Nature's Creation, Pampered Chef and Don's Dazzling Dashes, among others. Some vendors will only be at the festival Saturday, while others will remain for both days. Sunday Brings More Activities Sunday will begin with breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., followed by a church service at 10:30 a.m. The day will continue with activities for the entire family, including a kids' karaoke contest hosted by DJ Chad Patel. One of the weekend's most anticipated attractions will arrive at noon when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile makes a stop at the festival. Organizers encourage families to come out, see the famous vehicle and take photos. A pickleball tournament will also be held Sunday on the basketball court. Registration begins at noon, and participants do not need to register in advance. The kids' karaoke contest is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., followed by the festival's Battle of the Sexes competition at approximately 3 p.m. The Battle of the Sexes will feature four men and four women competing in a variety of challenges. Organizers say the teams include teachers, pastoral representatives, businesspeople and firefighters, making for what should be a fun and competitive event. Community Volunteers Make It Possible Organizers emphasized that the Fall Festival is truly a community effort, relying heavily on volunteers, vendors and local support. The festival's message is summed up by its welcoming motto: "Come as a stranger, leave as a friend." "We appreciate the community coming out and supporting us," organizers said, while also thanking the many volunteers and vendors who help make the festival possible. Vendor registration remains open, even for those who decide at the last minute that they would like to participate. Organizers say they will continue accepting vendors right up through the festival and will work with vendors on arrangements and payment. For vendor information, contact Peggy at 309-695-6575 or Connie at 308-631-2065. With food, crafts, children's activities, live entertainment, a petting zoo, the Wienermobile, pickleball and the Battle of the Sexes, organizers say there will be plenty of reasons to spend the weekend at Thomas Park. The Stark County Fall Festival takes place September 19-20 at Thomas Park in Wyoming.