Fall O Ween Parade
ABOVE:
Lots of chili was enjoyed by people who voted for the Best in Adair County. Chris Davenport and others served chili Saturday at Fall Fest 2025.
Renee Fite photo
After early morning sprinkles of rain, the sun was shining as the Fall O Ween Parade made its way through town on Saturday, Nov. 1 for the second annual Fall Fest.
The crowd was smaller this year, but those attending enjoyed hot delicious chili, shopping the many vendors, and live music. From delicious, fresh produce, to honey, winter blankets and hats, to wooden items and jewelry, the rain or shine vendors were busy throughout the day.
Mayor Jean Ann Wright said, "Fall Fest 2025 was a wonderful success.”
“Great vendors, tasty chili, fantastic local music, parade with more than 40 participants were some of the fun activities that everyone seemed to enjoy. The dessert contest, Pumpkin Decorating, and Costumed Dogs events were also very popular. I'm so glad everyone had fun,” said Wright. “And I appreciate everyone who came out to support Fall Fest whether vendors, contestants, parade entries or visitors.”
Vendor Eubanks Produce was very busy, said Nichole Starr.
“We sold a lot of Ashlynn Ingram breads, and we sold a lot of our canned goods and produce and pie pumpkins,” said Starr.
First Place Chili Cook-off in the Individual Category was Ike Merchant, who is seen here receiving his award from Mayor Jean Ann Wright.
photo: Renee FIte
First Place Chili Cook-off winner for Business was the Stilwell Fire Department. Mayor Jean Ann Wright presents the award to new firefighter Tyler Rinehart.
photo: Renee Fite
The parade was really neat, Starr said.
“We enjoyed the camaraderie of talking to everyone, and seeing people we hadn’t seen in a while,” Starr said. “We helped some people learn to use their Cherokee Nation Farmer’s Market cards and get some fresh produce.
It’s important to bring different vendors out, she said.
“Rose Farms had a good selection, and Tina has bought apples and other things from us to can. People enjoyed a variety of vendor items,” said Starr.
About 40 entries were in the
Fall O Ween Parade. Led by parade marshal Bigfoot, then the Stilwell Police Department, Stilwell Fire trucks and a Sheriff’s vehicle, there were Dream Star royalty, a marching group of Stilwell Middle School Pom Squad girls, and County Commissioner’s Charles Boecher and Larry Wood’s men drove many of the trucks used by their departments.
Also new was the Dog Costume contest won by Tyler Lawson with Freya, second place was Isabella Fuson with Cheez It and third place Summer Shell with Mickey Moon.
The Pumpkin Decorating contest with nine impressive and colorful entries was won by Ayanna Ketcher, first; Jennifer Calico, second and the Stilwell Fire Department, third place.
The Chilii Cook-off had two categories. Business winners were Stilwell Fire Department, first; Carson Bank, second, and Fraternal Order of Police, third.
Individual winners were Ike Merchant, first; Kimberly Unger, second and Barrett Harris, third.
Tracy Sims, with Carson Community Bank, said "Chili Withdrawal" was the name their chili.
“It’s made with a lot of interest and balance. We will loan you a spoon so you can experience the positive taste. You can bank on us for a good bowl,” said Sims.
Awards were given out to all winners present including the dessert winners from the Oct. 20 dessert contest at City Hall, and the
Fall O Ween Yard Decorating contest.
Parade winners:
Mayors Best of Show - Alyson Lawson
Grand Reserve - Stetson Russell
Reserve - Stilwell High School, Cherokee Chief Dyran Buckner
1st Place Dream Star - Da’Vayah Unger
2nd Place - County Commissioner Charles Boecher
3rd Place - County Commissioner Larry Woods
Live music began at 9:00 a.m. with Vince Turner, at 11:00 with the 4 F’s (Dr. Carl Farinelli, Matthew Farinelli, John Fite and Dr. Brett Fitzgerald; and at 1:00 p.m. Canyon Sons (Kevin Kimble, Michael Kimble, Jeff Porter and Steven Rankin).
The City is planning to host more second Saturday events in 2026.
