Labor Day Weekend is a time to celebrate all the countless contributions workers across the country have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.  Newman has some of the hardest laborers contributing to bountiful harvests and thriving businesses.  For over 50 years Newman has celebrated all of the hard-working individuals through the Fall Festival as a time to celebrate and come together as a community.

Over the years the Fall Festival has grown from its humble beginnings as a downtown street dance celebration into the explosion of activities fit for a variety of tastes.  This year boasted a plethora of food and drink options from lemonades to BBQ to tacos and even hearty breakfast options for those early park go-ers. (Linguica breakfast burrito anyone? Spam and eggs? Bucket of donuts?)

The Tunnels to Towers kicked off an amazing display Saturday morning as participants ran alongside firefighter Anthony Locks’ 140th 5K run for the foundation in the USA.  The Tunnel to Towers Foundation helps some of America's heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.  Runners navigated their way around town beginning and ending their 5K at the West Side Theater downtown.

Activities at the park flourished through Saturday even as the heat crept up into the afternoon.  Pets on Parade showcased some best dressed pups earning ribbons and smiles from the crowd.  The carnival was abuzz with joy as adults and kids alike took to the sky in the Ferris Wheel and navigated the fun house with the twisty hamster wheel ending.  Cheers and jeers could be heard from the first Luche Libre event held at the park as wrestlers entertained the crowd.  Dan’s BBQ hosted the first hot dog eating contest on the stage as seven willing contestants battled it out into a 5-way tie in four minutes with five hot dogs each.  The NCLUSD Musical Theater Department sang a variety of songs about dreams and promoted their new show “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” coming in February 2025.  Saturday evening concluded with the Miss Newman pageant and crowning a new court.

Sunday morning began with a lively parade downtown as judges chose their favorites from each category.  Traditionally, Dave Luna from K97.5 was on hand to emcee the parade and entertain the crowd.  “What’s that saying about almonds,” Luna joked as Stewart & Jasper’s float rolled by, “they are almonds on the tree, but a’monds when they’re off?” The mixture of giggles and eye rolls was palpable.  (Thanks Dave!) The Orestimba Warrior Band played the fight song as they marched along downtown, followed by the Orestimba Cheerleaders performing a stellar routine for the judges.  Powers Productions won Parade Sweepstakes for their entry inspired by Fall as dancers donned orange flowy costumes and smiling scarecrows delighted the crowd.  Spotlight Dance Company brought some fun with Toy Story inspired dancers and water shooting targets at both the kids and willing crowd members; surely a welcome respite from the heat of the day.  From classic cars and tractors, to bingo playing seniors and multiple lively local sports teams, and ending with a visit from Santa on vacation - the parade was a hit amongst the crowd.

After the parade came the awards ceremony at the gazebo for both the baking contest and parade entries.  Corn Hole took up residence at the library park as competitors threw their bags and vied for a prize.  No Way Back performed on the stage as everyone gathered in as much shade as possible around the gazebo.  Entertainment continued into the afternoon and evening with dancers and music as the crowds continued to enjoy all the festival had to offer.

The Arts and Crafts booths area was abuzz all weekend with business as people flocked to get their wares.  From handmade crochet animals to screen printed tees, to home-grown plants and hand-stitched pot holders, the talent of these artisans and crafters was a delight to be seen and supported.