We look forward to starting a new tradition this Saturday at the Missouri Governor's Mansion.
Gov. Mike Parson and first lady Teresa Parson will host the inaugural Parson Family Fall Festival from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The free event will feature vendors, activities for kids and a bluegrass band for musical entertainment.
To us, the description of the event sounds like the mansion grounds will be transformed into a small town fall festival, perhaps not unlike the Country Days festival in the Parsons' hometown of Bolivar.
It will feature a train for children to ride, plus fall treats such as caramel apples, kettle corn and fresh apple cider. Activities will include a photo booth, pumpkin painting, straw maze, face paintings, and much more. Mansion tours will be made available and popular local performers The Kay Brothers and a member of the Burney Sisters will be on stage to provide bluegrass music for everyone to enjoy, according to a new release from the Governor's Office.
"With fall upon us, there is no better time to have our Family Fall Festival, and we are incredibly honored to host this year's festivities at the Missouri Governor's Mansion," Parson and his wife said in a joint statement. "We are looking forward to seeing everyone come out, participate in all of the activities, welcome in the fall season, and best of all - have fun!"
Several vendors are slated to attend: AgriMissouri, Conservation Federation of Missouri, National Wild Turkey Federation, Elderwood Kettle Corn, Jefferson City Boys & Girls Club, Magic House, Mark Twain Museum, MoDOT, Missouri Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Missouri Division of Tourism, Missouri State Parks, MU Animal Sciences, Ozarks Creamery Milk, Runge Nature Center, Scholastic, Special Olympics of Missouri and more.
We've seen other fall/Halloween events at the mansion in the past ranging from a spooky mansion decorated by Six Flags (highlighted by the Batmobile on the lawn) to then-first lady Jean Carnahan dressed as native American explorer Sacagawea.
Now, we look forward to this new tradition started by the Parsons.