The success of the East Ridge centennial celebration last year has spawned the city’s first fall festival, set for Saturday at Camp Jordan Park.
“We had great participation and attendance at our centennial event last year,” Mayor Brian Williams said in a news release. “Even during that event and afterwards, we had so many requests for East Ridge to have a fall festival this year. I am so happy we are able to have this festival and let this be the start of a great annual East Ridge event.”
Shawnna Skiles, director of parks and recreation, said the festival won’t have celebratory fireworks or a beer garden this year, but families will find plenty of free entertainment. City departments will have games and giveaways. A children’s area will include giant inflatables, face painting, pumpkin painting and children’s tattoos, all for free. Topgolf will provide multiple cornhole and giant Jenga setups.
“We charge for (events and services) all year long out here, so we see this as a service back to our community,” Skiles said in a phone interview. “The only thing they’ll be responsible for is whatever purchases they make at the vendors and food trucks. This gives us a chance to give back to everybody.”
The East Ridge Fall Festival is one of multiple festivals happening this weekend. The following list represents those closest to Chattanooga. A more comprehensive list that includes events within a two-hour drive can be found in the 2022 Fall Festival Guide at timesfreepress.com.