Communities Across the Country Host Fall Festivals and Historical Pioneer Events

Lakes Park’s Fall Festival runs Oct. 9–31 with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, bounce houses and the Halloween Express train; its Wednesday Farmers Market returns through May 2027. Leechburg’s third annual Fall Festival is scheduled for Oct. 3 at Riverfront Park, featuring more than 40 vendors, food, live entertainment, family activities and a returning potato launcher. Butler County MetroParks’ Pioneer Life event takes place Sept. 26–27 at Governor Bebb MetroPark, with historic interpreters, demonstrations and hands-on pioneer activities; admission is $6. Glen Ellyn’s free Pioneer Day on Sept. 27 recreates aspects of 1840s life with farm animals, household activities, performances and tours of Stacy’s Tavern. Thurmont is inviting residents to a town picnic celebrating its 275th anniversary, with food for purchase, children’s arts and crafts, and opportunities to share local memories.
At Lakes Park, Fall Festival activities run in two daily windows on weekdays—10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.—while weekend activities run 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Festival parking costs $3 per vehicle Thursday through Sunday; Farmers Market parking is free.
Leechburg’s festival will include a $1 potato-launching attraction—three potatoes per donation—and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser supporting the Leechburg Area Community Association’s future community events. A portion of proceeds from flash tattoos will go to the Leechburg Food Bank.
Pioneer Life will introduce chair caning, flint knapping and apple pressing, along with a new activity where participants can make potholders. The event is staged in a village of historic cabins, including the 1799 Bebb Cabin, birthplace of former Ohio Gov. William Bebb.
Glen Ellyn’s Pioneer Day includes an 1860s classroom in session throughout the event, two performances by traveling-style entertainer Professor Flim Flam, and opportunities to join household chores such as laundry, apple peeling, candle making and ice-cream making.
At Thurmont’s anniversary picnic, children’s arts and crafts are scheduled from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and food will be sold by the Thurmont Lions Club.
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