By:  Regina Clontz for the Effingham Herald

Springfield’s Fall Festival is this Saturday from 10 AM until 10 PM.  This festival has grown tremendously since its inaugural kickoff in 2012.  Like most community-led opportunities, this one started with a vision.  Stealing an anonymous quote: “People coming together as a community can make things happen”, is the underlying theme.  A tribe of Springfield residents and businesses made the event a reality.

Since its inception, there has been a consistent driving force in the festival’s success.  Jennifer Smith, Springfield’s City Clerk, and Erin Phillips, the Planning a Development Director are key players.  As recalled by Jennifer Smith, Springfield’s City Clerk, Jamey Stancell, former councilman, offered up the idea.  As she recounts, “Jamey was passionate about bringing folks to Laurel Street.  Brett Bennett, the city manager, also had a desire to bring a fall event to Springfield.  The goal was to support the merchants that resided on Laurel.” 

Springfield hit “go” on the Fall Festival tradition.  Erin Phillips recalls, “Initially, the street party was a two-day event.  To say that it was a passion project is an understatement.”  The hands-on element was literal.  Jennifer adds, “Jamey wanted to offer merchant-sold, hand-pattied burgers.”  So, inevitably, late into festival eve, five committee volunteers would patty hundreds of burgers.

Then, 20 vendors lined the streets and for entertainment, a repurposed trailer became the stage. The budget was minimal. The first year saw 1000 residents in attendance.

With passionate community connection and volunteer efforts, the festival grew, as did Springfield. Erin muses that Laurel Street’s offerings of a couple of hair salons and a few merchants, transformed, and the momentum of revitalization became a dream actualized.

In the years that have passed, The City of Springfield has taken ownership of the festival.  “Funding is set aside to allow for a large-scale experience complete with renowned musical performances, 100 unique vendors, and 18 food trucks offering something for everyone”, says Matt Morris, Springfield’s City Manager.  The merchants are always pleased with the turnout, seizing the opportunity to showcase their wares.

It cannot go without saying that Springfield’s City Council is a cohesive body and is focused on the development of Laurel Street and the festival.  The Downtown Development Authority, led by Phillips, also cultivates the festival’s growth.

Fall Festival is slightly different from year to year.  Erin and Jennifer agree that there is a constant conversation regarding what works and what doesn’t.  Each year is special, piggybacking off the previous year’s “wins”.

Jennifer adds that the continual expansion is, “A thank you to the community for supporting Springfield.”  She also emphasizes, “The intent to keep the festival free includes: no entry fee, a complimentary toddler play area, and an amazing, live musical act. “

Join the fun at Springfield Fall Festival this Saturday from 10 AM – 10 PM.  Street vendors, a family play area, unique happenings at all the shops and venues, food trucks, and, at 8:00 PM, an outdoor concert featuring Ray Fulcher, will bring down the house.  For more information, visit the Springfield Fall Festival Facebook Page or call 912-754-7617.