The morning air is getting crisp, and the sunsets are coming sooner. Fall is gently gracing the Carolinas, and that means that it’s festival season. While Fayetteville will have plenty of offerings this fall, those who want a more small-town feel can head just 11 miles to the Eastover Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eastover Park, located at 2721 Ball Park Road, Eastover, and hosted by the Eastover Civic Club.
Enjoy a family-friendly day with live music, games, a raffle, a silent auction, and local artisan and community vendors. This is the perfect time to find one-of-a-kind gifts, check names off the Christmas list, and support local businesses like Claudia's Cozy Creations. Don’t worry, the kids won’t get restless. Drop by the Family Fun Area for bounce houses, inflatable ax throwing, face painting, fairy hair and a hay ride!
This year’s event is packed with exciting performances, including Cool Heat, a variety cover band bringing the hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and the best of Motown and Beach music. Local Susan Carter Canady will be performing the National Anthem at the opening ceremony, as well as a performance by “The Firehouse,” Eastover’s studio of performing arts. Terry Jefferies will be holding down the mic this year as event MC.
Between shopping, dancing, and playing cornhole, grab something to eat from a wide selection of over 75 food trucks and vendors including: One Bowl, One Cup, Cornbread Kitchen and Smokehouse, Dr. Smoke BBQ and Catering, The Grateful Shed, Kwon’s Kitchen, The Tasty Turkey-Que, Trusted Apples, Batter and Bliss Co., LLC, Morning Mercies Coffee, LLC, Rolling Beanz, LLC, and Eastover Fire Department.
The Eastover Fall Festival is in its second year. Last year the festival saw over 600 visitors, no small feat for a small town. While the Fall Festival is a new event for the town, it’s not the first event organized by the Eastover Civic Club.
“This is our second year hosting the Eastover Fall Festival. However, prior to COVID, the Eastover Civic Club hosted Eastover Heritage and Heroes Day for 12 plus years. The current Fall Festival is a continuation of Heritage and Heroes Day. We are very proud of Eastover's history and heritage, and we always welcome the opportunity to share with everyone the many wonderful things Eastover has to offer,” Lisa Sessoms- Lewis explained. “We will also have information available about our upcoming 20th Anniversary celebration to be held on July 24, 2027. This event will honor and highlight the 20th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Eastover.”
Organizers have worked meticulously to make sure that this one-day event leaves a lasting positive impression of their hometown. While Eastover may be small, its heart is big. Born and raised in Eastover, Semmons-Lewis wanted this year’s Fall Festival to reflect the town’s genuine sense of home.
“I want the community and surrounding areas to experience what I have always known makes Eastover special. I was born and raised in Eastover. To me, it's always been home. That's what I want people to feel when they attend our Fall Festival. Yes, I want them to have fun, eat some great food, listen to good music and purchase some wonderful items. But, most of all, I want them to see what makes Eastover a great place to live, work, and play.”
The Eastover Civic Club would like to thank the sponsors who have made this year’s fall festival possible.