MORENCI — The Morenci Fall Fest, hosted by the Downtown Development Authority, is back for its fourth year.
This year’s event is larger than before, stretching across all of Main Street from Summit to Baker, and along North Street from Main to Locust.
The free autumn celebration takes place on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 4-11 p.m.
It will include live music, food, vendors, and activities for all ages.
From 4 to 7 p.m., Main Street will be filled with family-friendly fun, including a photo booth, face painting, a petting farm, archery, a caricature artist, and a hayride — all free. Local merchants, businesses, and nonprofits will be set up with seasonal shopping and activities for kids.
The evening’s entertainment kicks off at 4 p.m. with the unveiling of new art in the downtown parklet Alley 221.
At 4:30 p.m., DJ Van Damage will provide live entertainment on the Main Stage under the stoplight. At 6:30 p.m., the Rex Theater will host a hard rock concert featuring Deep Coiler with opening acts ($15 admission). Closing out the night on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. will be a free outdoor concert by Chase VanBrandt and the Dive Bar All-Stars.
Hungry festival-goers can enjoy a variety of grab-and-go specials. North Street Pub will serve pulled pork and snacks; the Morenci Eagles will feature hot dogs, chili, and bean soup; and Pizza Box will offer pizza by the slice.
The Morenci Fire Department will host a BBQ chicken dinner, and visiting food trucks include El Poquito Chapulin with Mexican cuisine and Got Ears? offering sweet treats.
The Morenci Social District will be open until 11 p.m., with alcoholic beverages available in designated cups from North Street Pub and Morenci Eagles.
Vendor registration is open through Sept. 15. Fall Fest welcomes both community organizations hosting fall-themed games and merchants offering homemade, handmade, or homegrown goods. Booth space is free for non-profits and community organizations, and $25 for a 10- by 10-foot space for merchants. Forms are available at Morenci City Hall or online at www.cityofmorenci.org.
For more information, contact community and economic development director Heather Sarnac at 517-429-0100 or heather.sarnac@cityofmorenci.org.