September is a beautiful time to be at the beach so don’t put away your flip flops and sunscreen just yet! Come to the annual Fall Fest at Misquamicut State Beach.
Each year the Fall Fest helps the summer season linger just a little bit longer, and that brings joy to those who are not quite ready to let go of fun in the sun. In September, the humidity is lower, and the days are warm and golden. Even though the local schools and colleges have begun, people still want to hang onto the summer season on weekends and the Fall Fest is a great way to keep celebrating.
The Misquamicut Business Association (MBA) invites everyone to their annual Fall Fest which will be held on Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16. Mark your calendars to come to Misquamicut State Beach parking lot that weekend and enjoy everything the Fall Fest has to offer. Bring the kids, invite your friends and relatives from out of town. Better yet, book yourself a room at a local hotel and give yourself a final weekend summer vacation.
This year the Fall Fest will include a variety of delicious food from food trucks, as well as local restaurants. According to Charles Trefes, owner of Atlantic Beach Park, Windjammer and Dusty’s Dairy Bar, as well as the President of the MBA, Rockwell Amusements will provide “family, kiddie, and thrill rides.” Depending on one’s preferences, carnival ride choices will provide opportunities for patrons to either scream for joy at the top of their lungs, or let out some “oos” and “ahhs” from the beautiful water views seen from the top of the Ferris wheel, the fest’s most popular ride.
Another popular segment of the Fall Fest will be the arts and crafts section. This year there will be about 70 vendors selling their creations. This is particularly good news for those who always start their Christmas shopping super early and like to tuck their purchases away in some secret place until the feast of Christmas (you know who you are, so start making your list).
George Tatersall, past President of the MBA, and one of the co-founders of the Fall Fest says he does it for the kids and the families because he loves to see them light up with joy.
“It creates memories forever, and people experience all that is Misquamicut. It’s great that we can use the state beach parking lot because it is on asphalt which helps if the weather should be rainy,” he said. “You can see Long Island and Block Island from the top of the Ferris wheel.” The Fall Fest has a special place in George’s heart because he helped to start it.
“When I was a kid in Westerly, there was a carnival at Dunns Corners and it ended during my late childhood,” he said. “When I got older, I decided to help make it happen again.”
In addition, local Fire Departments will do demonstrations of who can hand pump and shoot water the farthest. Tatersall says it is one of the oldest “sports” in the USA and great fun for all ages. The Fall Fest will also delight everyone with talented local and national music headliners and roving entertainers, so come and be surprised and enjoy great music and dancing.
Festival times will be Friday, September 14 from 5-11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is 8. There’s a special price of $5.00 for those in the active military and members of their family. Children under three are free No pets, please. The Fall Fest takes place rain or shine. For more information, as the event gets closer, check out: www.misquamicutfestival.org.
