By HOLLY GASKILL
The signs of the season are all there — leaves on trees are starting to turn, welcome flags wave through downtown, and commuter routes are changing. The Bluffton Free Street Fair is just around the corner.
This year’s theme, “Passport to Fun,” was chosen in honor of the grand marshal, Erin Prible. Prible has been the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce for 12 years, where she has encouraged economic growth and community connections.
Similar to the Chamber’s Shop Local Passport program, Street Fair encourages popping from one vendor, shop or event to the next, connecting with both members of the community and visitors.
At her surprise announcement as grand marshal in July, Prible tearfully shared her shock and appreciation for the honor, as well as her love for Street Fair. “To me, Street Fair is like a reunion — you see people you haven’t seen for so many years, and you run into them,” Prible smiled. “My husband and I take great joy in just walking up and down the streets. Being able to reconnect with people is probably the greatest joy for us as adults during the Street Fair. It’s such a staple in our community and such a great asset.”
While vendors will open at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Prible will formally commence the fair’s festivities in the opening parade at 7 p.m. Float awards will also be announced after the parade.
On Wednesday, the annual antique and classic car show will take place from noon to 5:30 p.m., and the antique tractor and car parade follow at 5:45 p.m. Local bands will be on parade at 6:15 p.m. A community worship night will be held at the Main Stage from 7-8:30 p.m.
Prepare to walk away with a number of goodies on Thursday — the industrial parade will be at 6 p.m., featuring numerous local businesses and groups. A free “Whoa, Man!” concert will follow on the Main Stage from 8-10 p.m.
Festivities begin earlier on Friday, with wristband rides available from 1-7 p.m. The Creative Arts Council will host a student performance on the Parlor City Plaza at the courthouse from 5-6 p.m. For a first to the fair, the fire department will perform a car rescue demonstration at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot across from the city building.
FNX wrestling will take over the Main Stage for their annual throwdown from 7-9 p.m. At the same time, local artists will perform at the Parlor City Plaza.
Saturday morning is for the kids, with a “diaper derby” crawling race kicking things off at 11 a.m. at the Main Stage. The kids’ tractor pull follows at 11:15 a.m., then a big wheel race at 11:30 a.m. At noon, the community will crown its new Street Fair prince and princess at the Parlor City Plaza.
Another kid-focused event — and a new edition to this year’s line-up — will be “Dinosaur Dimensions,” 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Parlor City Plaza. This event will give kids the opportunity to “interact” and take photos with their favorite dinosaurs.
At the 4-H park Saturday, the annual pony pull begins at 11 a.m. and the heavyweight horse pull is at 1 p.m.
The beloved “Street Fair Idol” singing contest will be from 6-8 p.m. at the Main Stage, with a variety of local talent and music vying for first place. The fair will close with a free Garth Brooks tribute band concert at 9 p.m.
holly@news-banner.com
