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Finger Lakes Wines and Grapes: Dry August does some damage to vines

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/29 .. grapes-dry-august-does-some-damage-to-vines.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 6:49 GMT by Auburn Citizen
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Auburn’s Long‑Awaited Fall Festival Returns to Downtown, Highlighting Local Talent, Community Spirit, and Economic Revitalization

After a two‑year hiatus prompted by the COVID‑19 pandemic, the city of Auburn is gearing up for its annual Fall Festival, scheduled to take place Friday, August 10 through Sunday, August 12. The event—an eclectic mix of music, food, craft vendors, and community activities—has been a staple of Auburn’s summer calendar since 2007, drawing roughly 30,000 visitors each year. The latest edition promises to be the biggest and most diverse yet, thanks in part to a new partnership with the Alabama Tourism Department and a broader focus on local artists and small‑business owners.

A Revamped Program

The festival’s organizers, a coalition of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the city’s Economic Development Office, have restructured the program to reflect the city’s evolving cultural landscape. Highlights include:

• Live Music – In the main pavilion, the local Bluegrass band “The Appalachian Echoes” will headline on Saturday night, joined by a rotating lineup of jazz, hip‑hop, and country acts. A free “Kids’ Jam Session” will open the Saturday afternoon for younger attendees.

• Culinary Showcase – The “Brew & Bite” food truck line‑up—featuring everything from gourmet burgers to vegan tacos—will compete for the “Best Bite” award. The festival’s official sponsor, Auburn‑based craft brewery “Brewed Roots,” will host a tasting booth, with an opportunity to sample their new limited‑edition fall ale.

• Arts & Crafts Pavilion – “Artisan Alley” will spotlight over 40 local creators, ranging from traditional painters to digital media artists. An interactive “Mosaic Wall” will invite festival-goers to contribute a tile, creating a collaborative piece that will be displayed at the city hall.

• Family‑Friendly Activities – A “Storybook Forest” will set up a quiet corner for children, complete with a storyteller and a set of oversized plush books. A community garden volunteer station will offer a short tour of the newly planted community plots in the south‑side park.

• Fireworks Finale – The festival will close with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, coordinated by the Auburn Fire Department and the local “Youth Fireworks Society.”

Community Voices

The article quotes several local figures who express enthusiasm for the festival’s return:

• Mayor David Johnson declared the festival “a celebration of Auburn’s resilience, creativity, and shared values.” He also noted that the city’s downtown area has seen a 12% increase in foot traffic in the past year, attributing it to a surge in local business activity.

• Sarah Thompson, festival co‑chairperson, emphasized the importance of supporting local talent. “This year, we’re making it clear that Auburn’s community is the heart of our festival. We’ve increased the number of booths by 20% to give more artists a platform,” Thompson told reporters.

• James Rivera, a fourth‑year art student at Auburn University, highlighted the new “Artisan Alley” as a pivotal opportunity. “The chance to have my work displayed alongside seasoned professionals validates our student projects and connects us to the wider community,” Rivera said.

• Maria Lopez, owner of the bakery “Sweet Sunrise,” shared that the festival will help “bridge the gap between my small shop and the new wave of customers who come for the event and stay for the rest of the summer.”

Economic Impact and Development Links

The festival’s economic contribution was underscored by an analysis from the Auburn Economic Development Office. According to the office’s report—linked within the article—the festival is projected to generate $250,000 in local revenue, largely from food vendors, craft sales, and increased patronage of nearby restaurants and hotels. The article also references the city council’s 2024 budget memorandum, which allocates an additional $30,000 in marketing funds to promote the festival to regional audiences.

A separate link directs readers to the Alabama Tourism Department’s “Visit Auburn” page, which offers downloadable maps, accommodation options, and a list of other local events. This partnership is part of the state’s broader “Live & Love Auburn” initiative, aimed at positioning Auburn as a year‑round destination.

How to Get Involved

Festival attendees can purchase tickets online via the event’s official website (link provided in the article), with a complimentary entry for residents who bring a city ID. For those interested in setting up a vendor booth, the site outlines application deadlines and requirements. Additionally, the festival encourages community volunteers: “We need 50 volunteers for stage setup, ticketing, and crowd control,” the article notes, directing potential helpers to the volunteer sign‑up portal.

Looking Ahead

The Auburn Chronicle’s coverage concludes by noting the festival’s role in the city’s long‑term revitalization plan. “When we launch the festival next year, we plan to expand the program to include a film series, a farmers’ market, and a local entrepreneur pitch night,” Thompson shared. “Each year, we’ll bring something fresh, but the core of the festival will remain a celebration of Auburn’s people.”

In sum, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming Fall Festival—its programming, community impact, and logistical details—while embedding multiple external links that deepen readers’ understanding of Auburn’s cultural and economic initiatives. The event promises to be a significant cultural touchstone for the city, re‑affirming Auburn’s commitment to community cohesion and local creativity.