The first annual Downtown Fremont Fall Festival, October 5-7, 2018, was a big success and will become a wonderful annual tradition. It was a busy weekend with a full schedule and, while the weather made some activities a challenge, we didn’t give up and everyone who attended had a great time.
The Farm-to-Table Community Dinner was well attended and a great way to unofficially kickoff the weekend’s events. Thanks to Rogers Tent and Awning for the tent that kept us all dry and comfortable; Midland University’s Arts Department for the lively jazz music; a delicious meal, featuring brisket donated by our downtown grocery store, Brady’s Meats and Foods, and prepared by the talented chefs from Midland University’s Fresh Ideas group; and mouth-watering desserts prepared by our very own Evelyn Stewart.
The White Light City Film Festival was a welcome addition to the weekend. After a day of filmmaking workshops on Friday, the film festival held its kickoff party that night at the May Brothers Building. During that event, Marianna Simmons was honored with a tribute to her late husband, Ray, for the work they have both done throughout the years for our community, and for getting many cherished buildings in Fremont listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their dedication and love for Fremont and its residents has made “The White Light City” a name we will never forget. The film festival continued on Saturday and Sunday at Midland University’s Eppley Auditorium and the Milady Coffeehouse downtown, screening 25 films from filmmakers in 8 countries, along with the films created this year by students at The Digg Site Productions‘ Film It Camps.
The Artisan Market had record crowds on Saturday and allowed those who attended to start their Christmas shopping early. Pancakes in the Park was a fun way to start the day—with some yummy breakfast before shopping! The Pianos on the Streets project added a lot of creative art and sounds to our sidewalks.
The first ever White Light One Mile Run was a blast! Over 60 runners participated, and the winner, Tristan Nelson, completed the downtown course in just over 4 minutes and 20 seconds—WOW, that’s impressive!
The weekend’s activities wrapped up on Sunday evening with the White Light City Film Festival Awards and the White Light City Dedication to Marianne Simmons. Everyone in attendance joined Marianne outside while she had the honor of flipping the ceremonial switch to turn on the new white lights adorning the buildings in downtown Fremont.
We planted a seed this year with this first Downtown Fremont Fall Festival. Many people—your friends and neighbors—put their hearts and souls into this weekend. This seed will require care and nurturing in order for it to grow. We need more people willing to step up and get involved in organizing all the aspects of the weekend. If you’re interested in helping to organize next year’s Downtown Fremont Fall Festival, just reply to this email and let us know. Or watch for an announcement about the 2019 Fall Festival Committee that will start working sometime in March or April 2019.