Patoka Fall Festival Draws Big Crowds With Near Perfect Weather

PATAKA, Ill. — The Patoka Fall Festival returned over the weekend, drawing large crowds and lively community participation under sunny skies and mild temperatures.

Parade Led by Community Heroes

This year’s parade was led by Grand Marshals Jani and Brent Bunn, founders of Nora’s Sparkle of Love Project, a nonprofit supporting families of children diagnosed with DIPG/DIMG. The organization was created in honor of their daughter, Nora, who passed away earlier this year at age 7.

Their float, themed “Leave a Little Sparkle Wherever You Go,” featured a rainbow and unicorns inspired by Nora’s book Sparkle of Love, written during her cancer treatments. The story of “Heart Lover,” a unicorn who endured hospital struggles, has since become a source of comfort for other children facing treatment.

Float and Parade Competition Winners

The parade included a wide range of colorful floats and entries.

• The Phelps, Thompson, and Spicer float won the Adult Theme Award, carrying the sparkle theme forward with make-believe characters.
• The Patoka Cross Country Team earned Youth Best Theme Float for their decorated four-wheeler.
• The Mayor’s Choice Award went to Gables Fishing and Hunting for DIPG.
• Joyce’s Cafe received the Most Creative Adult Entry, while the Baptist Church won Most Original Youth Float.
• The Meyer and Adams families won Most Colorful Youth Float with inflatable unicorns.

Adding to the excitement, the South Central Band made its first parade appearance and earned the Spirit Award, while Studio 50 dancers performed along the route to enthusiastic cheers.

Rodeo, Tractor Show, and Festival Contests

Beyond the parade, the festival featured antique tractor competitions, classic car showcases, and kids’ bicycle races. Winners included Noah Reynolds in the tractor division and Robert Reed with his 1953 Chevrolet Truck in the car show.

A rodeo fun show kicked off Friday night, with buckle winners Jessa Thalman and Khloe Wadkins representing Patoka. Saturday night’s demolition derby drew large crowds, with champions crowned across multiple divisions including Cody Neal in the minivan class and Dylan Richardson, who also won Best in Show honors.

Other contests highlighted community talent, from Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl to horse-and-rider categories that celebrated both youth and adult participants.

Festival Atmosphere and Community Spirit

With live performances, food stands, and family activities, the Patoka Fall Festival offered something for everyone. The near-perfect weather made the weekend especially enjoyable, reinforcing the event’s place as a staple of South Central Illinois’ fall celebrations.

The festival not only showcased local talent and tradition but also honored the legacy of young Nora Bunn, making this year’s gathering both festive and deeply meaningful for attendees.

The Patoka Fall Festival once again proved why it remains a cherished tradition in Illinois, blending fun competitions, heartfelt tributes, and community pride. Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for more coverage of festivals and cultural events across the Midwest.