Monona Fall Fest Fantastic

The Monona Family Fall Festival... wrapped up a busy weekend of community events. I have to admit to some trepidation as I biked down to the park. How would the turnout be on a chilly fall day? Had word gotten out? I wasn't sure what the organizers had planned other than a pumpkin hunt. Would there be enough going on?

Not to worry. The event was a great success - attendance exceeded all expectations. Young families with little kids everywhere were having huge fun with the alpacas, the Balloon Lady, face-painting, and three-legged races. Live music was provided by the Hang Loueys (Andy Nath and his assistant whose name I did not catch so I'll just call him Sideshow Bob because I can). Story telling was by Karen Wendt (who also was doing her thing at the Pie Party on Saturday). Pat Williams and the young drummers from Rock Talent Development put on a show. Forest Academy Alpacas showed off three of their animals and also demonstrated spinning alpaca fiber. Food was served by volunteers including alder Dennis Kugle. Coffee and other tasy warm drinks was provided by the coffee vendor cart guy whose name escapes me. Cable Guy Eric Redding was on hand to record the event.

Big kudos to the volunteers from the city's Family Attraction, Retention and City Promotion committee (including city planner Paul Kachelmaier, parks director Jake Anderson, alders Dennis Kugle and Kathy Thomas and citizen members Jessica Ace, Paul Gavins, Susan Manning, Heidi Sigmund, Elliott Smith, Chad Speight, Ilana Strauch, and Peggy Wireman) for putting the event together.