CHILI … Delicious chili was eaten throughout the day during this year’s Fayette Fall Fest.
PROUD … A touch a truck space was reserved downtown for everyone to see and interact with local vehicles. Signs were also given that say “Fayette Proud: Where Town And Country Meet”.
GRANT … The Fayette Fire Department was awarded $10,000 through a State Farm grant. The money will be used to purchase water rescue equipment and a boat.
PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
MEALS … The Fayette Fire Department served chicken dinners during this year’s Fayette Fall Fest.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Village of Fayette celebrated its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with a full day of activities, food, and entertainment. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., residents and visitors filled the streets for one of the community’s favorite autumn traditions.
Families enjoyed browsing craft vendors, taking part in a Touch-a-Truck display, and visiting a health fair inside the Opera House.
Sponsored by the Normal Memorial Library and FAST, the attractions provided opportunities for both fun and learning. FAST also brought in a caricature artist to entertain guests, while music from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. added to the festival’s lively atmosphere.
Two popular competitions returned this year, the chili cook-off and the pie baking contest. Community members sampled entries and cast their votes, keeping alive a friendly rivalry among local favorites.
Brittany Theis, who noted the festival is in its fourth year since being revived, said this year’s weather helped draw steady crowds.
“It’s been warm and sunny with a nice breeze, and a lot of people have been out and about checking the trucks, trying the chilies, and shopping vendors,” she said.
Food was another highlight, with the Fayette Fire Department serving BBQ chicken, the Bull Thistle Committee offering hot dogs, cider, and snacks, and local businesses like One More Bar & Grill, Freddy’s, and Louie’s providing specials.
A major surprise came when the Fayette Fire Department was presented with a $10,000 grant from State Farm. The award, one of only 150 nationwide, will be used to purchase new water rescue equipment and a boat.
With its mix of tradition, new features, and strong community spirit, the 2025 Fayette Fall Festival once again showed why it remains a highlight of the season for the village.