Bluffton festival returns after 2-year break

BLUFFTON — After a two-year break due to COVID, Bluffton's Fall Festival makes a comeback on Saturday. The family-oriented event takes place throughout the community with most activities occurring from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locations include the Mennonite Memorial Home, Maple Crest, the Schumacher Homestead (Swiss Community Historical Society), Bluffton Hospital, Mercy Health — Bluffton Family Practice, the Farmer's Market, Bluffton Presbyterian Church, Blended Roots and Cars & Coffee at Masterpiece Signs. "This year's really exciting because I think we might have more participating locations than ever before," said Jason Cox, director of marketing for the Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio. He also coordinates the festival. There's been a lot of interest, too, from those outside the community interacting over Facebook and social media, he added. "So we're looking forward to a good event this year," Cox said. The festival dates back to 2004. "The Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio kind of started it but we wanted it to be a community event," he said, adding that the original participants, the Mennonite Memorial Home, Maple Crest, Bluffton Hospital and the Swiss Homestead, continue to be part of the event, with others joining over the years. Each group involved in Fall Fest comes up with its own activities each year. "The theme of the day is kind of just family-friendly fun that doesn't cost anything or very much," he said. "Most of the stuff we have is geared toward families, and most of the stuff available to do is free, so that's always been kind of our main goal." There is also free parking at all locations. Following is the day's schedule of events: • Mennonite Memorial Home, 410 W. Elm St. — MHCO Service Group food tent, cost involved; crafts with Hilty Preschool and Child Care; craft vendors; M&R Plumbing putt-putt; kiddie train • Maple Crest Senior Living Village, 700 Maple Crest Court — Antique tractor show; kiddie tractor pull, registration 12:30-1 p.m., pull starts at 1; fishing derby (bait and poles provided), 2-3 p.m.; food for sale; free hearing screenings by Beltone • Bluffton Hospital, 139 Garau St. — Pumpkin decorating; complimentary Kona Ice Treats; refreshments and interactive activities for kids • Swiss Community Historical Society (Schumacher Homestead), 8350 Bixel Road - Farm animals; straw bale maze, kid's games and activities; wagon rides; horse plowing; blacksmithing; corn-shelling; needlecrafts; popcorn popping; woodworking; demonstrations; food for sale • Downtown Bluffton - Farmers' Market takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Citizens National Bank (102 S. Main St.) parking lot; face painting and balloon animals will be available at Mercy Health Bluffton Family Practice (204 N. Main St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Cars & Coffee, 8-11 a.m. at Masterpiece Signs (902 N. Main St.); sidewalk sale and $5 kids craft at Blended Roots (246 Cherry St.) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Bluffton Discovery Days sponsored by the Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, visit Bluffton businesses for a chance to win prizes. • Entertainment will also be provided at the gazebo in front of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N. Main St. — Connor Raines, guitar/vocals, 10 a.m. to noon; Five-Star Baton Co., noon to 12:45 p.m.; and the Usual Suspects musical group, 1-1:45 p.m. For updates and complete information, visit blufftonfallfestival.com