Release Date: September 18, 2024 Contact: Brandon McClish, WSNC
Evansville, IN – The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival has once again been named the Best Fall Festival by USA Today in their 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards. For the second consecutive year, this beloved event has earned top honors, underscoring its status as a premier celebration of community spirit and tradition.
Following the West Side Nut Club’s distribution of over $700,000 at their annual Founder’s Day event, the Fall Festival is ready to take the national stage once more. Attracting over 200,000 visitors during its weeklong run, the Fall Festival stands as one of the largest street festivals in the United States. The event is renowned not only for its size but also for its exceptional features, including the nation’s largest halfpot, which surpassed $1.8 million in 2023.
David Murphy, the 2024 Fall Festival Chair, shared his excitement: “The best part of our Fall Festival is that it is truly a community event. All of the 120-plus food booths are operated by non-profits, and everything generated during our festival is reinvested into the community. This commitment is evident in our Founder’s Day event, where we distribute proceeds directly back into our schools and nonprofits. Over our 103-year tradition, we have provided $9.6 million back into the community. We are incredibly grateful to be recognized on a national level.”
The 2024 Fall Festival will take place from October 7th-12th and promises an array of attractions including free live entertainment, carnival rides, over 120 diverse food booths, and thrilling talent competitions. The week will culminate with a grand parade featuring Al Unser, Jr. as the Grand Marshal.
A recent economic impact study highlights the festival’s significant contribution to the local economy, with an estimated impact of nearly $7 million. This underscores the festival’s role as a vital economic driver for Evansville and its surrounding communities.
Congratulations to the West Side Nut Club and the entire Evansville community for this prestigious recognition. The Fall Festival continues to be a shining example of how community-focused events can have a lasting positive impact on both residents and visitors alike.
