09/21/2026
Watson’s Fall Festival Set to Bring Main Street Alive THIS FRIDAY!
STATE CENTER — Main Street will transform into a bustling autumn celebration on Friday, Sept. 25, as the State Center Development Promotions Committee hosts the annual Watson’s Fall Festival, beginning at 4 p.m. and stretching from Eckhardt Enterprises to the Gutekunst Public Library.
This year’s festival promises one of the most activity packed evenings yet. Ranger hay rides will shuttle visitors along Main Street, connecting families with dozens of attractions, food vendors, contests, and seasonal entertainment.
A centerpiece of the evening will be the Watson’s Grocery block, where the State Center Historical Society will host its adults only w**e and charcuterie fundraiser with a free will offering at the door. Nearby, a large food fest will welcome families, and the first 100 children under 12 will eat free. Each child will receive an envelope with spending money to use on food or any Main Street purchase. The envelopes are for children only and must come to Watson’s to receive one.
Two food trucks — Clair’s Tenderloin and Mojo’s Grinders — will serve festival favorites, while Bailey’s Pizza, Holy Grounds, Main Well, and LaCasa Maya will offer carry out options for those who prefer to dine outdoors under the autumn lights. Hometown Foods will be giving away caramel apples to the kids.
The 2026 Rose Queen and Princess will host the first annual pie-eating contest, located on West Main Street. Entry form and rules are on the State Center Development page.
Music will fill the street as DJ America’s Music to Go sets up in front of Central State Bank, playing crowd pleasing hits throughout the evening.
Meanwhile, Brian’s Collision at 205 E. Main St. will hold the annual pumpkin decorating contest. Pumpkins must be dropped off by 4 p.m., and prizes include $50 for the top youth (under 11) and adult (12+) entries, plus $25 second place awards sponsored by Brian’s Collision. The first 60 children to visit will receive goody bags.
Children’s activities will span the entire Main Street:
• A pumpkin launcher at the Depot
• A giant bounce house on the Gutekunst Library lawn
• Caterpillar rides and family games near the One Room School House
• Face painting by Roxanna Bodie and balloon art by Tulip the Clown inside the schoolhouse
A Farmers Market, Games, and Community Groups will line the street in front of the Fire Station, offering crafts, goods, and fall merchandise. Rainbow vacuum will host a basket giveaway. Mustaine’s Towing Service will be hosting “Fall Bingo” at their home base located 101 1st Ave. N. The Friends of the Library will hold a book sale in the Gutekunst Public Library garage.
Residents are encouraged to join the festivities, support local organizations, and enjoy one of State Center’s most cherished fall traditions.
