Autumn on Parade returns to glee of attendees, vendors of handmade crafts

OREGON – It might not have felt like fall, but that didn’t matter to those who turned out for the return of Autumn on Parade.

A steady crowd visited more than 150 booths Saturday and Sunday on the lawn of the historic Ogle County Courthouse and surrounding streets.

“It’s amazing,” said Barb Huggins of Fulton, who was attending Autumn on Parade for the first time on Sunday. “I love all the food vendors and I love the things that people make.”

Her friend, Patti Damhoff of Fulton, responded by pointing to the north side of the Ogle County Courthouse lawn and saying, “You just wait. We’ve got to go all the way down over there.”

The theme of “Rockin’ 50 Years” celebrated the event’s 50th anniversary a year late after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a hiatus from 2020.

The rain chain Huggins bought was only one of the hundreds of items vendors sold. Other wares included ornamental produce, locally produced honey, jewelry, soaps, candles, antiques, seasonal items and homemade pies.

Damhoff said this year had many more vendors who have been coming to Autumn on Parade for 30 years. However, in her opinion, there were fewer attendees.

“Usually, it’s so packed you can’t walk,” she said. “But I think people are scared of COVID. It makes a difference.”

Still, business was steady for Ms. Mint owner Kate Gross of Franklin Grove, who was in her fifth year selling at Autumn on Parade.

“I’ve had a lot of excited customers that I was here,” said Gross, who sells handmade headbands and scrunchies. “That felt good … to have those people.”

One thing she said she loves about Autumn on Parade is that it’s a “genuine craft fair” where only handmade items are allowed. Shoppers also appreciate it because it allows them to come and find treasures, Gross said. Most events now have direct sellers as well as handmade crafts and it changes the vibe, she said.

Gross said the festival was good overall and seemed to be back to normal after the year off.

On the other hand, Judy Hodgin, a vendor out of Apple River, Illinois, felt things seemed different. Hodgin owns Baskets by Judy and has participated in Autumn on Parade intermittently for 15 years, depending on her schedule.

“In my own mind, it appears that people really want to be out and about,” she said while weaving a basket. “Everybody seems to be very kind and very considerate,” Hodgin said. “People buy something and if they need some change, they’ll say, ‘Oh, just forget the change’ and that’s never happened before.’ But it is different, because our whole lives are different.” .