By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
The Colonel William Crawford Fall Festival may not have it all – but it comes about as close as one could hope.
Whether its fall or Christmas crafts and decorations, a car show, great food and entertainment, or just catching up with old friends, the fundraiser for the Colonel Crawford Athletic Boosters tries to have something for just about everyone. The 32nd edition of the fall festival is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday on the Colonel Crawford campus in North Robinson.
“When it’s done, I put a lot of work into this thing,” said Linda Campbell with a laugh when asked about her favorite part of the festival. “Honestly my favorite part is seeing people just having fun.”
The craft show will feature more than 100 vendors of all kinds, plus a farm market and car show. The entertainment includes a performance by the Colonel Crawford High School Marching Band at noon.
Then there is the food – lots and lots of food.
“The Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association will have their trailer there,” Campbell said. “They’ll get some things going on the grill.”
There is a full menu of sandwiches, sides and desserts to order a la carte in the school cafeteria. Our Gang’s Old Fashioned Kettle Cooked Soup is always a big hit and goes fast. For the early risers and first comers, there are also fresh gourmet doughnuts from a baker to go with a hot cup of coffee.
There are raffles during the day for those who feel lucky. Then there are the vendors and their products who are the foundation of the festival.
“People, they look for those same vendors,” Campbell said. “They (vendors) keep coming back year after year. It’s tradition.”
There are crafters, quilts, and even re-purposed furniture.
“I think it’s because, just my feelings, it is run by volunteers,” Campbell said of the festival’s success. “We really put in the effort to make it fun.”
Campbell said she enjoys simply walking around the festival and people watching.
“A lot of people use it as a way to touch base with the community,” Campbell said.
Both admission and parking at the Colonel William Crawford Fall Festival are free.