Logo belongs to Dallas Center Celebrations

A fun public gathering is happening in the Dallas Center community as a late summer tradition continues.

Dallas Center Celebrations is hosting its annual Fall Festival both tomorrow and Saturday. According to Planning Committee Member Meghan Reingardt, the theme for this year’s festival is “Wander into the Wonder of Dallas Center,” based on the story of “Alice in Wonderland” with several new events that coincides with the theme, including a costume contest, Mad-Hatter Tea Party, Bubble Land, Foam Party, and an Iowa State University Tailgate Watch Party. She has been around Dallas Center for 12 years and describes her favorite aspect of the festival.

“I like that it is still that true small-town festival. It reminds me of when I was a kid, so it’s nice to watch all the kids running around with their friends and having fun. I also love the fact that we try to make it as free as possible for families, so you don’t have to spend any money to come to (the) all Festival and enjoy everything we have to offer. But you can still come to (the) Fall Festival and you can win prizes, you can get food, (and) all that stuff is usually at no cost to those who come and participate.”

Reingardt says the main activities for tomorrow include a cake contest, hula hoop dance party, a pedal power tractor pull, and a skate night. She confirms that on Saturday, the Dallas Center Rotary Club will be serving breakfast from 7-9am, then the Ladies Auxiliary will be cooking made-rites and hot dogs for lunch, followed by a free-will town dinner at 6pm.

Reingardt explains people can engage in carnival rides, and tickets may be purchased at local Dallas Center businesses. She indicates that general admission is free with everything happening along Walnut Street from Mound Park to Heritage Park. Tomorrow’s events take place from 4-9pm and Saturday ranges from 6:30am-9pm. The full schedule of events can be found by clicking here.