Dallas County residents had fun at Paul M. Grist Fall Festival

Published 11:58 am Saturday, November 3, 2018

Countless Dallas County residents enjoyed themselves at the third annual Paul M. Grist Fall Festival Saturday at the Paul M. Grist State Park.

Several vendors filled the park with items like Alabama and Auburn pillows and quilts, custom-made leather belts, assorted homemade jams and preserves, popcorn machine, various jeans and a barbecue stand. Horse rides were also available as well as various games for kids, some assisted by the local Boys Scouts of America.

Friends of Paul M. Grist State Park presided over the event, led by its President Anita Ellison. She thanked the Dallas County Commission, especially Probate Judge and Chairman Kim Ballard for leasing the park after the state decided to close the doors due to funding cuts by the Alabama Legislature a few years ago.

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“We want local people to come out to the Park, some don’t know the fall festival exists,” Ellison said.

Sky Hill Animal Society Director Lynn Sanders said she loves the opportunities the fall festival provides. The organization was selling various items for cats and dogs, including shirts and bones.

“It gives us a venue to raise awareness for animals and a way to make money,” Sanders said. “It also gives us a venue to promote the Sky Hill Animal Society.”

Boys Scout Hunter Nichols, 15, a sophomore at Meadowview Christian School (MCS), enjoyed himself at the festival. He ran the balloon busting event.

“I’ve come to the fall festival before, but this is my first time working at it,” Nichols said. “I like the event because it gives people a chance to spend with their families.”

Denise Rushton, who was selling her various jams and preservatives for either $6 or $9, said the cooler weather conditions was ideal. She was selling sweet potato butter, homemade peanut butter and various jams.

“I love the atmosphere of the event and how the Dallas County Commission supports it,” Rushton said.

Kendra Sanders, who works in Accounts Payable at the Dallas County Courthouse, decided to sell jewelry at the festival.

“I wanted to see what kind of profit I could make at the event,” Sanders said.

Kyleigh Stanberry, who attends Edgewood Elementary School, said she had fun.

“I liked all of the games and getting a chance to ride a horse,” Stanberry said.