Redmond Town’s second annual fall festival gets underway this Saturday, September 16 and the committee has worked tirelessly since last year’s event to make sure this year is even bigger and better! We’ve definitely got a lot going on this year,” said Kiley Noyes, one of the event’s organizers. “We have an entire day’s worth of activities planned and people can come and spend the day or just come and go as they like, whatever works!” The first new addition this year is the early morning 5k. The race begins at the Redmond baseball field at 8 a.m. and breakfast is included for participants following the run. The cost is $30 and athletes can sign up in advance or at the gate. Vendors, booths, and food trucks will be set up and open for visitors at 2 p.m. on the west field and as part of the entrance fee, each have donated a door prize. Anyone making a purchase at the Farmer’s Market will be entered to win one of the door prizes. Vendors include Street Eatz, the local Ha’o family’s Hawaiian delights, lemonades, corn dogs, mini donuts, and many other options, even caramel apples. The American Legion will be making funnel cakes, with all proceeds for local veterans.
The Farmer’s Market will be open from 2-10 and promises to be Hallmark movie worthy.
“It’s going to be cute,” said Nichole Thurston, organizer. “We’ve got local honey, homemade jellies and breads, Green River watermelons, boxes of peaches and apples, corn on the cob, and lots of different fruits and vegetables. It will be a good Farmer’s Market.”
She said Amy Freestone will be bringing an heirloom tomato demonstration and Redmond Minerals will have salt varieties for sale at special festival pricing.
Pumpkin art, sidewalk chalk, hayrides, bounce houses, and a zipline will all be a part of the afternoon activities, and Redmond Minerals will be blasting off their popular candy cannon as well as providing complimentary salt mine tours.
“They will have their bus here at 2:30 and again at 4:00 to head over for a tour and those interested can contact me to get their name on the list,” said Noyes. “There is room for 25 participants on each tour, and those who have their name on the list will be given priority, and if there are any seats left, it will be first come, first served.”
Dutch oven chili and dessert contests are a new offering this year, and as a fun twist, the judges will be anonymous. Each chef must have their own equipment, utensils, ingredients, etc., and samples will be set out for tasting at 6:00 p.m.
“People can stop by and taste the chilis and the desserts, and the judges will be intermixed with the general festival attendees, so the chefs will not know who is judging and who is just interested in a taste. It should be really fun,” she said.
The prizes for the contest include items such as a Camp Chef, a Dutch oven, and even a tool set. While the cooking is going on, a kids rodeo, including stick horse barrel races, dummy and goat roping, and pony rides, will take place in the arena, and there are also great prizes that have been donated for the winners.
Multiple fire pits will be made available for smores making from 7-9 and a corn hole tournament begins at 6 p.m. with a set of corn hole boards being gifted to the winning team! No preregistration is required, just sign up, pay up, and show up ready to play prior to 6.
“We also wanted some kind of entertainment in the background while all the activities are going on, so we have local bands and entertainment throughout the afternoon,” said Noyes. “Nathan Allred will perform from 3-4 p.m., the popular band Overdrive featuring Robby Shaw and the Jolleys will play from 4-6 and Joe Frischknecht will share Cowboy Poetry from 6-7.”
Lonesome Folk, a Utah Bluegrass and Folk ensemble effortlessly harmonizes their voices and seamlessly interchanges between various instruments, including guitar, banjo, mandolin, and violin. This multi-instrumental approach allows them to create rich soundscapes that perfectly complement their heartfelt lyrics and enchanting melodies.
The trio’s choice of repertoire is another testament to their greatness. Drawing inspiration from traditional folk, bluegrass, and Americana genres, they infuse their own unique sound, breathing new life into timeless classics. The Lonesome Folk & Bluegrass Trio skillfully combines soul-stirring harmonies, intricate instrumentals, and heartfelt storytelling. They create an experience that touches the core of every listener.
Whether performing at intimate venues or large-scale events, the Lonesome Folk Trio has an unparalleled knack for engaging with each individual in the crowd. Their warm and inviting stage presence puts everyone at ease and creates an atmosphere of unity and shared experience.
At the forefront of the trio are three immensely skilled musicians. Individually, each member brings a wealth of experience and talent to the group, but together they create a harmonious resonance that is unmatched. Their musical chemistry is palpable. As a result, they deliver captivating performances that leave listeners in awe.
“We don’t have seating at the park, so we really encourage everyone to bring their own chairs, or blankets, or even a canopy and set up for the day,” said Noyes. “It’s an all-day event and there’s a lot going on, and we’re hoping for beautiful weather to complete our Hallmark movie worthy festival.”
The committee members include Lyman and Marci Anderson, Nichole Thurston, Lance and Adri Mickelsen, Char Smith, Devin and Logan Storey, Rob and Diane Pierce, Devin and Kiley Noyes, and Rhett and Ashlie Nelson.
“Working together, we really want to bring a family friendly event to our area,” said Noyes. “Our ball field is beautiful, and we want to utilize it, while getting everyone out. We have an amazing community and it’s so important that there are wholesome activities for everyone of all ages without having to drive so far.”
Some events are free, such as the hayrides, and other activities including the bounce houses and ziplines, will be available for a nominal fee. Cash and venmo accepted, and depending on the vendor, cards may or may not be accepted. The committee has worked hard to make the event the best it can be, and they’re grateful for the community’s support and encouragement.
“Everyone has been so good to help in every way possible,” said Noyes. “We have some great sponsors, some amazing door prizes and contest awards, and a really fun filled, action packed day planned. We urge everyone to come participate! We want everyone in all the surrounding areas to come and join us!”
