Norman’s annual downtown Fall Fest takes place this Friday, a free event offering trick-or-treating, live performances, games and inflatables for a lively, family-friendly evening.
Local businesses and nonprofit organizations are involved in the setup of Fall Fest in Historic Downtown Norman. Businesses are encouraged to participate by extending store hours, passing out candy or hosting activities like haunted houses or festive games for children and their families.
Taylor Wagner, sales manager for Visit Norman, said the festival is an opportunity for Norman residents to get connected with Main Street businesses.
“A lot of families didn't even know that some of these shops and restaurants existed,” Wagner told the OU Daily. “So it's a great opportunity to explore businesses and other organizations that are not otherwise located downtown all year.”
Orthodontics Exclusively is a top contributor to Downtown Norman Fall Fest. Each year, their team puts together 2,500 treat bags for children attending the festival.
Rachel Meadowcroft, Orthodontics Exclusively's relationship manager, said the office aims to connect with the community. Meadowcroft and other members of the Orthodontics Exclusively team plan to attend Fall Fest in hopes of making a memorable first impression on children and families.
“We're just a really great bunch of people that have a really cool office,” Meadowcroft told the OU Daily. “We just want to work with anyone in the community.”
Norman community events often cater to college students and adults, but Fall Fest is the yearly exception. Wagner said she considers Fall Fest one of the most family-friendly events of the year.
“It’s just all about the kids and offering them some free fun, candy, costumes, inflatables and everything,” said Wagner.
Fall Fest will feature live performances from local artists on the corner of Main Street and Peters Avenue, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Performances last around 15 minutes each, and include the OU Elite Dance Team, McKinley Elementary Honor Choir, Sooner Theatre’s Broadway Kids and Show Troupe as well as All Saints Music Theatre. Following the performances, a DJ will play spooky tunes until the end of the festival.
Norman Fall Fest is run by around 75 volunteers, many belonging to high school and college student groups, civic organizations and other nonprofits.
The festival requires a lot of preparation, but Wagner said the community response makes the experience of volunteering rewarding.
“You're seeing everyone dressed up in their costumes, all these little glow necklaces running around everywhere, and all the laughter, then you can really tell that everyone is having a good time,” Wagner said. “That really makes it worth it.”
Downtown Norman Fall Fest takes place from 6-9 p.m. Friday along Main Street.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
