On Saturday, October 8, Poland’s popular Celebrate Poland event once again held their annual fall festival, which serves as a fundraiser for the main event during the summer. This newer addition to Celebrate Poland has brought fun for fall activities in the town. The fest brings craft market vendors, some food trucks, fun family activities, as well as friendly competitions. Other places around Poland add to the small town atmosphere and create an enjoyable fall day around town.
The festival began early in the day and carried on to the evening. Most of the competitions were held later in the day. There was a fall bake off, where contestants had to bake a recipe that included pumpkin. A pumpkin decorating contest was held for all age groups, as well as a dog Halloween costume contest. Like the Celebrate Poland in the summer, there was a Poland idol competition for children and teens to feature their singing talents.
There were many vendors selling crafts or specialty baked goods. Danielle Hoffman of Heritage Baking makes and sells custom sugar cookies for different seasons. At the fall festival, Hoffman had an assortment of decorated cookies, from cute candy corn, to vampire teeth, and several other designs.
Another market vendor was Ron’s Greenhouse, selling an assortment of mums and some pumpkins. This display provided a feeling of fall with the pretty natural decor. Melissa from Ron’s Greenhouse says that they like to “give back to the community,” as they “have a lot of supporters in Poland.”
Besides the local shopping, games were also provided by the Poland Lion’s Club and a Scouts troop from the area. The Lion’s Club brought their putt putt course that is seen at every Poland Festival with the cost to play being donated back to Celebrate Poland this fall. The scouts troop had an assortment of yard games, such as disk golf and a connect 4 game. They also sold popcorn to help support their troop.
The Poland Forest Foundation provided a fun scavenger hunt. They were supporting and spreading word about their foundation and fundraisers as well. The Poland Woods is an enjoyable place to walk, in the fall and year round, even when there is not a town event going on.
Included but not directly correlated with the fest was the Poland Library’s book sale. The library’s used bookstore was having a half off sale of their books. Picking out a book to read from the library is a nice activity in the fall, as much fall scenery surrounds the library.
Overall, festival goers had the same enjoyment for the community and shared excitement for the fall.
Hoffman explains that she enjoys the “small town feeling,” and is also happy to participate in autumn activities like hay rides, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin carving with her children.
The men from the Forest Foundation state that they enjoy the “peace and quiet” Poland provides them. Local businesses and places around town give Poland a small town feel that is perfect for enjoying the fall season.
