Warming up to the Big Four: First Fall Festival at the depot deemed a success

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GALION — Although it was a little chilly on Saturday, the first annual Galion’s Big Four Depot Fall Festival was deemed a success by director Dave Moore of the Friends of the Big Four, which put on the first event of its kind for the community.

The aroma of kettle corn being popped filled the air as Galion Youth Cheerleaders entertained the crowds first thing in the morning. Later, the Eagle Dance Competition Team delighted the audience. A princess sing-a-long had little girls dancing and the Crazy Gringos and Greg Bell entertained as well.

Visitors also could tour the depot building during the day, paint pumpkins and munch on food from food trucks that lined the parking lot.

“I think we had a good turnout for our first year,” Moore said. “Everyone there liked it and had a lot of fun.The food vendors and entertainment people want us to have another one next year. We probably will have it again, but we’re still talking about it.”

Leeann Grau and Jeremy Ray of Bucyrus opened their Sweet Thangs kettle corn tent early, and the sweet, savory — and warm — treat had people lining up for the toasty bags of the popcorn.

Grau said they usually don’t set up at many events outside of Bucyrus, but said Moore approached him at a farmers market in Bucyrus this summer and asked if they would consider offering the kettle corn at the fall festival in Galion.

“We’re all about trying to grow something that’s good for the community, so we decided we would come,” Grau said.

“Other than it being cold, everything went well,” Moore said. “People were enjoying the tours of the depot and the pumpkin painting was pretty popular. We had a good crowd throughout the day. People would come and go. And the crowds came when there were performances at the stage.

Miranda Jones, member engagement director for the Galion-Crestline Chamber of Commerce, attended the festival. She helped organize some of the entertainment for the day.

“I’m helping Dave Moore put this on, and I kind of lined up the entertainment for him since I organize the Third Friday events. I grabbed entertainment that was most popular from the Third Friday events,” Jones said. ” “We just want to try to build up this fall festival for the depot. It’s such an asset to the community. The Friends of the Depot and Depot Inc. are doing such a great job in trying to open this up to the community and bringing more awareness to what they have here.”

“This event is just another great opportunity to see another historical site in Galion and bring people here and make sure they are aware of what we have,” Jones said. “Hopefully it becomes a tradition.”

Photo courtesy Miranda Jones
Reilly McCane shows off the pumpkin he painted Saturday during the Fall Festival presented by Friends of the Big Four Depot. It included food, music, entertainment and crafts. Next year, organizers are hoping for warmer weather and are planning to add more events.
https://www.galioninquirer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2019/10/web1_thumbnail_IMG_0122.jpgPhoto courtesy Miranda Jones
Reilly McCane shows off the pumpkin he painted Saturday during the Fall Festival presented by Friends of the Big Four Depot. It included food, music, entertainment and crafts. Next year, organizers are hoping for warmer weather and are planning to add more events.

Photo by Jodi Myers
Chilly weather Saturday greeted visitors who took in some of the early entertainment at Saturday’s Fall Festival at the Big Four Depot. It was in the 30s early, but turned into a beautiful fall day as the sun came out and warmed enjoying food, fellowship, music and more at the North Washington Street depot.
https://www.galioninquirer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2019/10/web1_thumbnail_IMG_0106.jpgPhoto by Jodi Myers
Chilly weather Saturday greeted visitors who took in some of the early entertainment at Saturday’s Fall Festival at the Big Four Depot. It was in the 30s early, but turned into a beautiful fall day as the sun came out and warmed enjoying food, fellowship, music and more at the North Washington Street depot.

Photo by Jodi Myers
Leeann Grau mans the popcorn stand at Saturday’s Fall Festival at the Big Four Depot in Galion.
https://www.galioninquirer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2019/10/web1_thumbnail_IMG_0119.jpgPhoto by Jodi Myers
Leeann Grau mans the popcorn stand at Saturday’s Fall Festival at the Big Four Depot in Galion.
Galion’s first Fall Festival at the depot deemed a success

By Jodi Myers

Galion Inquirer

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