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Welcome to Mt. Vernon Fall Fest! Browse through our applications and let us know if you have any questions. This is an electronic agreement and by selecting the booths, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically.
All Food Vendors will be admitted after consideration from the committee. Factors considered include, but are not limited to:
1. Previous participation in Mt. Vernon Fall Fest.
2. Menu options. We strive for a variety of offerings for the attendees to enjoy.
3. Setup size and amenities needed.
4. References from other festivals.
Festival management reserves the right to make final determination of all booth assignments.
Rules & Regulations:
- A flat Food Vendor Fee for booth space of $150. A limited number of non-profit organizations will be permitted in the food court for half price.
- $25 deposit fee is due with submission of application along with vendor fees.Your deposit of $25 will be refunded if the following criteria are met over the course of the event weekend: (1) Your booth remains open and accessible to the public for the entirety of the Food Court hours, including no early tear-downs, (2) Vendors are required to clean up after themselves. Vendor booth must be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner. Vendors are responsible for taking trash to designated dumpster located on Festival grounds. This fee is in ADDITION to your booth fee, but will be refunded if the above is followed.
- Please provide a separate check and the check will be returned to you after the event if rules are followed. All fees must be paid in full prior to set-up.
*Accepted food vendors will be notified of trailer/tent set up time for Thursday, September 24th.
Friday Night Vending:
- All vehicles must be out of Festival Zone by 3 p.m.
- Festival opens to the general public at 5 p.m.
- Food Vendor Area closes after Entertainment ends (around 11 p.m.)
Saturday Vending:
- Festival opens to the general public at 9 a.m.
- Tear-down will begin after the headliner finishes around 11 p.m. no vehicles in Food Vendor Area until 11 p.m. and absolutely no early tear-downs allowed.
James Ware Memorial Drumline Showcase
Immediately Following the 2026 Fall Fest Parade
The Commons Stage, Downtown Mt. Vernon
Get ready for an electrifying musical experience as the James Ware Memorial Drumline Showcase in downtown Mt. Vernon! Held on The Commons stage immediately following the Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Small Town Common Ground Fall Fest Parade, this high-energy event strives to bring together some of the most talented and dynamic drumlines in Southern Illinois and beyond.
Named in honor of the late James Ware, a beloved former Mt. Vernon High School drummer, the showcase celebrates rhythm, precision, and the powerful community spirit that music inspires.
Marching bands that participated in the parade will transition from the street to the stage, where their drumlines will go head-to-head in a thrilling, upbeat performance filled with syncopated beats, cadences, solos, and crowd-pleasing routines.
This event isn’t just a performance—it’s a celebration of music education, tradition, and the honoring the incredible impact that James Ware had on our community.
Whether you're a drumline fanatic or just love a good beat, this showcase is sure to keep your toes tapping and your hands clapping!
Join Us for the 2026 Mt. Vernon Fall Fest Parade Band Expo!
On behalf of the City of Mt. Vernon and Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc., we are thrilled to invite you and your students to be part of the 2025 Mt. Vernon Fall Fest Parade!
✨ Mark your calendars:
Saturday, September 26, 2025
⏰ Parade step-off: 1:00 p.m.
This year marks our 14th year offering adjudication, awards, and cash prizes for marching bands — and we would love for you to be part of one of Southern Illinois' most exciting festivals!
Who Can Participate?
We welcome high school and junior high / middle school bands of all sizes.
Bands will compete in the following divisions:
- High Schools, 250+ enrollment
- High Schools, 249 or fewer enrollment
- Junior High / Middle Schools (open class, all sizes)
✅ Divisions & Awards
- High School (250+ enrollment)
- High School (249 or fewer enrollment)
- Junior High / Middle School (open class)
Prizes per division:
1st – $500 | 2nd – $250* | 3rd – $100*
(*based on minimum participation)
Overall Grand Champion – $1,000 (may adjust if <8 bands entered)
Why You Should Join
✔ Perform in front of an enthusiastic community crowd
✔ Get valuable adjudicated feedback
✔ Compete for great prizes
✔ Celebrate your band’s hard work at one of the best fall festivals in the region!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Bring your music, your talent, and your school spirit — and help make this year’s Mt. Vernon Fall Fest Parade the most memorable yet!
30 events
Mount Vernon, Illinois, United States 
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