Autumn Days returns with new evening events

AFTON - Afton’s annual kickoff of the fall season returns this year with ambitious new evening events sure to celebrate the local community.

With the leaves turning red and orange, autumn is in swing this Saturday when Afton Autumn Days transforms the Afton park square into the event of the season.

Returning staple attractions from previous years, including the vendor show, petting zoo, mechanical bull, pumpkin painting and car show along Railroad and Webster streets. Wristbands, costing $10, will be required for new inflatables for the little ones as an essential stop for families.

The day starts off at 8:30 a.m. with the Fireman’s Breakfast. Hosted by the hardworking members of the Afton Volunteer Fire Department, visitors to the Afton Community Center can start off their day with a hearty breakfast.

The East Union Art Club will host a pumpkin painting for wristband wearers between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the north shelter of the park. Kids can explore their artistic ability along with provide some early decorations before spooky season.

Food trucks, including Reno and Woody’s, Corndog Caravan, Zipp’s Pizzaria, Liza’s Sushi & More, Callie Corn Kettle Corn and Lucky Wife Wine Slushies, will be available along the west side of the park square. Vendors will be located on the south side along Kansas Street.

J & D Petting Barnyard will return with their petting zoo, along with a mechanical bull for courageous bull riders with a wristband. Barnyard babies can have their chance to win the Autumn Days baby contest, which starts at 11:00 a.m.

The Afton Development Corporation will host bingo in the community center at noon. A pedal pull, sponsored by East Union FFA, will challenge wristband holders starting at 1 p.m.

Garfield Park, located at 2371 190th Street, will be the host of a disc golf tournament, sponsored by the Creston Disc Golf League. Three divisions will play: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The tournament is free to the public, with the league providing discs to those who don’t bring their own.

Three afternoon/evening events are new to this year’s edition. At 3 p.m., a bike parade will begin as decorated bikes will be cycling around the park square. The event revives an Afton tradition from many’s childhoods.

“I remember when I was a kid, we had parades in town and everyone would decorate their bikes with streamers and balloons," Devon Springer, an organizer of Autumn Days with the Afton Community Club, said. “I thought it would be fun to bring it back.”

For a scrumptious competition, a chili cook off fundraiser will begin at 5:30 p.m. Cooks will set up their bowls at the park shelter house to compete for the best chili in Afton.

Two options will be available for those looking to catch a hearty bite. A $5 dollar flight tray will give visitors a chance to try a sample of every bowl. For a full meal from whoever is your favorite, $5 will also give you a bowl of chili.

Cook-off winnings depend on how much money they raise. Monetary donations can also be given to each cook. Cash prizes and the title of best cook will go to the winner.

To wrap up the fun-filled day, a movie night in the park will start at 8 p.m.. While the movie remains a mystery, the community club has advertised the showing with witch theming.

The setup will be similar to the Pre Fourth Celebration’s movie night at the rec ballfield. A new sound system will be available as the park transforms into an evening, outdoor cinema.

Weather for Saturday looks sunny with temps in the low 80s. The day looks to be fun for the whole family, with new ambitious events showcasing how far the Afton Community Club has come in providing entertainment for their community.