Fall Art Fest marks 50th year in McGregor
Nearly 50 vendors are slated to be at the McGregor Fall Arts and Crafts Festival, held Oct. 5 and 6 and 12 and 13 at Turner Park. (Times-Register file photo)
By Audrey Posten
Experience handcrafted arts and crafts, live music, food and drinks and other cultural activities at the annual McGregor Fall Arts and Crafts Festival.
2024 marks the 50th year of the event, which is back at Turner Park in McGregor on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6 and 12 and 13. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all four days.
Even with construction in McGregor, “you can still get to us down the hill,” on Business 18, assured organizer Ashley Barnes. “There’s tons of access and parking.”
The festival is pushing 50 vendors, who will be set up outside as well as inside a large tent. Some artisans are local, while others come from around Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Offerings will include woodworking, rugs, candles, seasonal decor, stained glass, jewelry, photography, cutlery, leather and metal works, soaps, children’s books and clothing.
Festival-goers will enjoy food from the traditional McGregor American Legion brat truck and Jayco Fish, as well as Mexican.
Live music is planned all four days of the festival, starting with father-daughter duo LaBarge from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Terry McCauley will take the stage from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, then Beau Timmerman on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Ann Christoffer on Sunday, Oct. 13. Bother performances the second weekend will run from noon to 3 p.m.
“The Star Power Dance Team is coming the first weekend,” said Barnes, further adding to the entertainment.
New this year, is axe throwing from 1 to 4 p.m on both Saturdays. Free will donations are appreciated.
Giant Jenga and Connect Four games will also be set up for visitors to play.
Art activities will be available for kids the first weekend, and on Saturday, Oct. 5, community members are welcome to come out to Turner Park for “Chalk the Walk.” Call (563) 329-2010 to register in either the business, adult or children’s categories, then create a chalk masterpiece on the Turner Park track from 10 a.m. to noon.
The second weekend of the festival, attendees can engage in a community art project.
“We’re going to use bricks to make books to put in the park by the library,” Barnes said. “We have 200 bricks available to paint.”
Barnes is proud to see the festival entering its 50th year and invites others to enjoy it too.
“It’s cool for the city,” she said. “The weather looks good for this family friendly event.”
