Fall festival celebrates 40 years

Packed aisles spanned the length of the main pavilion at the Jaycees Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 during the Cole County Fall Festival.
Packed aisles spanned the length of the main pavilion at the Jaycees Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 during the Cole County Fall Festival.

The Cole County Extension Center's Fall Festival expects 160 vendors and 3,000 visitors at its 40th anniversary event on Sept. 10.

"It's a great chance to come out and see unique items. It's just overwhelming," said Jane Kempker, administrative assistant at the Cole County Extension, who has coordinated the event for the past 18 years. She highlighted the handmade crafts like wood-working, leather items, yard arts and home décor that have been staples of the festival since its inception. "Not much has changed since the beginning of the festival."

What has changed is the space needed. Now, there are about 250 booths for 160 vendors, about twice as many as in the 1970s. Some of the vendors have been part of the Fall Festival for more than 20 years. At least one vendor has come for the past 25 years.

Because of this growth, the layout needed restructuring.

"When clients come in, they should see everything," Kempker said. "Most of them just come in, buy something from a special vendor and leave."

What started as a fundraiser for the Extension Center 40 years ago now attracts some 3,000 visitors annually.

"Extension Fall Festival is only once a year. So many people come out and do their Christmas shopping," Kempker said.

Admission is $2, or free for children 12 and under. All proceeds support the Cole County Extension Center and its programs.

The Fall Festival will take place 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds.