Autumnfest Celebrates the Arrival of Fall in Yucaipa
On September 26, Historic Uptown Yucaipa transformed into a vibrant celebration of fall with its annual Autumnfest. The festival, themed “Fall into fun,” drew the community together for an afternoon filled with live music, diverse food and merchandise vendors, a beer garden, a car show, and various activities for children.
Haunted House Attractions
One of the main attractions was the haunted house, featuring two experiences: a child-friendly “No Scare” version, complete with eerie sound effects and lights but no actors, and a full “Scare” version that delivered a more intense experience with scare actors, loud sound effects, and special effects like strobe lights and haze. In addition to the haunted house, the festival offered a range of autumn-themed activities, including a kids’ zone, a rock wall, a car show, and continuous live entertainment.
Musical Lineup
The day kicked off with performances starting at 12:30 p.m. from the Yucaipa High School Marching Band and Color Guard. This was followed by Yucaipa Dance at 2 p.m. and the North Benched Band at 3:30 p.m. The San Bernardino Teen Music Workshop took the stage at 5:30 p.m., leading into the car show awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Highlights of the car show included two trophy-winning vehicles: a 1937 Packard and a 1969 Camaro, both of which captured the attention of attendees. Don Tudor from the Past Pleasures Car Club expressed his appreciation for the event, emphasizing the car show as a highlight.
Community Response
Participants like Berto Bedolla, who showcased his 1962 Impala SS convertible, noted the success of the show. Yucaipa City Council Member Judy Woolsey commented on the overall success of the festival, mentioning that the car show, fun house, and rock wall were particularly popular with festival-goers.
Literary Connection
The festival also provided a platform for local author Kimberly Ferrato to promote her new book, “The Ground Keeps Its Own,” which fits perfectly with the autumnal and spooky themes of the event.
A Longstanding Tradition
Autumnfest has been a beloved tradition in Yucaipa for at least 15 years, evolving from a previous Oktoberfest celebration. This annual gathering serves as a festive way for the community to welcome fall, offering music, food, costumes, and a touch of fright, making Historic Uptown Yucaipa the perfect backdrop for the seasonal celebration.
