Cooler mornings, evening breezes and time with family and friends in Anthem’s Community Park can only mean one thing—Autumnfest has returned for 2021.
A favorite tradition for North Valley dwellers, the weekend event open to the public features the traditional fall staples, including pumpkin picking and a decorating contest, hayrides, live music, strolling entertainers, kid’s zone with inflatables, a carnival, food court and Rotary beer garden.
The traditional Autumnfest arts and crafts fair also returns featuring fine arts, crafts, culinary items and hand-made goods offered for sale from vendors around the state.
“After scaling back to an online arts & crafts catalog and a distanced pumpkin patch during the winter surge of COVID last year, we’re excited to be able to bring people back together for the full slate of Autumnfest features this year,” Anthem Community Council spokesperson Kristi Northcutt told Valley Vibe. “It’s a great way to shop local and get items crossed off your holiday list without the hassle of shipping delays, and everyone looks forward to being outdoors in the beautiful Community Park for this fall favorite festival.”
New This Year
Local businesses plan to participate as part of the vendor fair, a tradition reserved in the past for Anthem Days, the community’s annual spring event in the park. The decision to include businesses was made due to a scaled-down vendor fair at Anthem Day’s last spring and canceled festivals in 2020. “It’ll be kind of an Autumnfest/Anthem Days mashup,” Northcutt said.
Increased Safety Measures
Keeping health and safety at the forefront for festival-goers and vendors, Northcutt said the ACC will follow any CDC and any state or local recommendations for large-scale, outdoor events. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available to attendees and extra sanitation will take place on high-touch surfaces, like the food court tables/chairs, kids zone inflatables, in the pumpkin patch, on carnival rides, etc. In the arts and vendor fair area, she said booths will be spaced to create wider aisles and allow for more distancing.
Autumnfest
Saturday, Oct. 23–Sunday, Oct. 24
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Anthem Community Park
41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy.
623-742-6050
www.onlineatanthem.com/events/autumnfest.php
Frasier Shows Carnival
Thursday, Oct. 21–Sunday, Oct. 24
All the traditional ride favorites will be back in the parking lot near the soccer fields.
Times to be determined by carnival management. All-you-can ride bracelets for purchase at the ticket booth for use during select hours. Discount coupons available prior to the event at Anthem Community Center, Anthem Civic Building, and on social media.