On Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 2, the Fall Festival will grace the Forestville Central School for yet another year, and this time, should regulations remain the same as they are now, those in attendance will be able to see each other’s faces.

“The masks made it difficult,” said Carol Woodward, who is one of the people in charge of the festival. “So far, so good, there’s no mask mandate right now, we can put it that way. Masks will be optional, so if you want to wear one, have at it.”

Visible faces however won’t be the only return to the Festival this year, as the Chili Cook Off contest will be making its Fall Festival return. While Woodward said last year that COVID restrictions made the cook off impractical, this year she’s excited to see it come back.

For a nominal fee, festival-goers can try several different homemade chilis, and each person who does will help judge which chili is the best one. While the event used to be done with pies, the switch to chili has been a welcome one. Those interested in the chili cook off can contact Terri Rosier at 716-679-8384

Classic vehicles were part of the Forestville Fall Festival parade last year.

With more than a month left to go before the event, Woodward said that they already have over 20 vendors signed up, which features both new and returning vendors. Woodward said the Fall Festival is always highly regarded by attending vendors, which she thinks is in part because of their reasonable pricing.

“We usually fill up the gym,” said Woodward. “Charging $40 for two days is appealing so we do get a lot of return vendors.”

Notable returners so far feature a metal sign maker who was popular last year, as well as Tastefully Simple, with a lot of newcomers that Woodward is excited for as well.

Last year’s Festival attendance, despite the regulations and lack of normal activities, still had a pretty normal turnout comparatively, providing optimism that this year will have room for growth.

The proceeds for the Fall Festival are given back to the community. In the past, the Fall Festival Committee has donated money to the Forestville Fire Department, the Food Pantry, and American Legion, in addition to giving out two scholarships to the school’s seniors, which will be announced at the end of the year.

Additionally, the Legion will be holding their meat raffle on Saturday, Oct. 1, while Sunday Oct. 2 will feature the chicken barbecue at the Forestville Fire Hall, and the annual parade on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Forestville Fall Festival will run on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. There are still openings for vendors, and any participation is encouraged. If anyone is interested in vending, contact Woodward at 716-359-3436.