It’s fall! The leaves have fallen, Halloween has passed, and for some we are enjoying sweater weather! But something we can’t forget about fall is the fall festival! In fact, Hughson held their 2nd Annual Fall Festival in the Hughson Arboretum & Garden, 2490 Euclid Avenue Hughson, CA, from 10am to 4pm. Let’s see what happened! What’s the meaning of this fall festival? 

Dale Pollard, a member of Hughson’s Arboretum & Garden board, said, “There’s food booths, all kinds of things, and unique things everyone can enjoy.” “We’re trying to get this in the window to start the holiday shopping idea but it really is to celebrate the community.” 

Pollard added, “It is also to help support the arboretum financially but to be honest with you it is to support the community here,” “Most vendors here are locals and a few a little outside but we really try for our community. We saw some Hughson FFA and Hughson Key Club and nothing but compliments from those people, they’re willing to work and help, the vendors love it and it’s really nice.” 

Let’s hear some more thoughts and explanations from another member of Hughson’s Arboretum & Garden. 

Mary Valdez, Hughson’s Arboretum & Gardens secretary, informed, “What the community of Hughson doesn’t really know is that it is open to the public, seven days a week, dawn to dusk.”  “What we wanted to do is bring people to the arboretum to let them know about the arboretum.” 

Valdez continued, “We don’t double up on vendors, It’s a beautiful environment,” “Hughson comes to shop so  it’s like a lot of local businesses.” “I think all ages would like this.” “It’s kinda like we want you to come, enjoy the environment, feel the nature, and shop or cruise.” 

Now that we have heard so much about the reasoning behind the fall festival, let’s go talk to some vendors and see what they have to offer. Since this is the 2nd annual festival, were they here last year? Also, we heard many of these vendors are from Hughson, are they also supporting their community here? How do they feel about the fall festival?

Marcie Davis, a vendor at Hughson’s Arboretum & Gardens, said, “I encourage people to come, it’s really nice and people like it because it’s like walking through the park and doing a little shopping at the same time.” “I was here last year and I’m from Hughson as well.” 

Davis also shared about her products, “We have sheep milk soap from Hughson’s only sheep dairy, I have my own self written book about milk and sheep, I have felted wool dryer balls, felted wool sling shots, and everything is local and homemade from the farm.”

Lastly, let’s hear from another vendor with something else to offer. It seemed like their booth was a hit and in fact popular with all ages! Not to mention they are one of our very own locals! 

Megan McMenimen, owner of The Parched Goat, said, “The arboretum is the perfect location for this event, Hughson does a really good job, the community does really nice.” “The weather is perfect, lots of foot traffic, and I will say this event is really nice because people come to shop but also to linger.” “So come hangout, get some lunch, and walk around again, bring your grand-kids,” McMenimen suggested.