Fall Festival To Return To The Grove Oct. 11

Despite our still-sweltering temperatures, to celebrate the beginning of fall, the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is putting on its sixth annual Fall Festival, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (which meets Wednesdays at noon at Ciao! Italian Bistro in the Shops at Wiregrass mall).

On Saturday, October 11, local residents can look forward to a FREE day of live music and entertainment for all ages at The Grove shopping plaza, sponsored by Javic Homes (see page 9), Wesley Chapel Nissan and The Grove. There, of course, also will be carnival-style food and beverages for sale, and plenty of other vendor tents. The WCCC expects to draw more than 10,000 attendees to this year’s event.

Although last year’s Fall Fest took place during the course of an entire weekend, to better serve the community, this year’s event will take place on just one day.

“The Festival is now just a one-day event,” says WCCC executive director Hope Allen. “But, we will still have a great line up for a full day of entertainment.”

Headlining the performers this year is Bryan Edwards, who was nominated twice for the 2013 Grammy Awards. His album “Nothing Left to Burn” was nominated for Country Album of the Year and his song “Still” was nominated for Country Song of the Year. The Florida native also earned his first major songwriting credit on Jason Aldean’s 2011 CMA Album of the Year, “My Kinda Party” as a co-writer on the song “If She Could See Me Now.”

Also appearing this year is 10th Concession, a Tampa-based rock/pop breath of fresh air fronted by brothers, Ian and Evan Koteles. The band has earned titles such as “Ultimate Local Band” by the Tampa Bay Times and “Best Indie Rock/pop Band” by Creative Loafing (2010-13!). 

The Fall Festival will again feature the annual “Wing Battle” between the area’s chicken wing-oriented eateries. Last year’s stand-out performances came from Beef O’Brady’s and Ker’s Wing House. Who will woo the judges this year?

Rotary’s event co-chair Sabrina di Roma says the Wesley Chapel Rotary will again host the annual Little Miss & Mr. Pumpkin Patch Pageant (photo), the Pumpkin Patch and Hay Rides, and this year will also sponsor a pet contest and the first-ever Rotary Village for kids! 

For more information, including schedules and additional sponsorship opportunities for the Wesley Chapel Fall Festival, please visit Facebook.com/WesleyChapelFallFestival.