I’ve heard so many great things about Broken Bow’s Fall in Love with Downtown Festival, and this year, my family and I are finally going! I can’t wait to experience it for the first time, and I’m already counting down the days until October 12th, 2024. From what I’ve seen and heard, this festival is packed with fun for all ages, so if you’re like me and haven’t been before, here’s why you’ll want to check it out!
The day kicks off at 8:00 AM with the Turkey Trot 5K. I’m not much of a runner, but I love the idea of getting out early, walking through downtown, and soaking up the fresh fall air. It’s a great way to start the day, whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just strolling with the family. Plus, my kids think it’ll be hilarious to “race” their parents. We’ll see who’s laughing at the finish line!
Then, at 10:30 AM, I’ve heard there’s a must-see event: the Bed Races! Teams deck out beds with crazy decorations and then race them down the streets. Honestly, I have no idea what to expect, but that’s part of the fun. It sounds like the perfect event to watch with the whole family—we’ll definitely be picking out our favorite themed bed and cheering them on!
At 11:30 AM, it’s time to head to the Amphitheater for the Local Talent Showcase. I love supporting local performers, and I’m excited to see what talent Broken Bow has to offer. Singers, dancers, maybe even a few surprises—I think the kids are going to love this part, too.
Next, we’ll be checking out the Cornhole Tournament at 12:00 PM. It’s happening at 101 Main St., and I’ve heard it’s a big deal around here! I’ve already got my partner lined up (spoiler: it’s my super competitive spouse), and we’re ready to see if we’ve got what it takes. Even if we don’t win, it’s all in good fun, right?
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. At 3:00 PM, there’s a Twinkie Eating Contest at the Amphitheater. My kids are already excited about this one—they think they could win (I’m not so sure!). Even if we don’t participate, watching the contestants try to chow down on Twinkies as fast as possible is going to be a riot. I mean, who doesn’t love a good food competition?
And if you think you’ve got the best chili in town, why not prove it? The Fall in Love with Downtown Festival is also hosting a Chili Cook-Off! This is your chance to show off your cooking skills and see if your recipe can take home the top prize. Just bring a pot of your best chili to the Amphitheater by 3:00 PM on October 12th, and let the taste-testing begin! Whether you’re a seasoned chili champ or just have a family recipe you swear by, we can’t wait to see—and taste—what you’ve got!
As the day winds down, the real magic begins. Starting at 5:00 PM, there will be live music and performances at the Amphitheater Stage. This will lead right into the evening’s main event—the Street Dance at 7:00 PM with a live headliner! I can’t think of a better way to end the day than dancing in the streets with the whole town. It sounds like such a fun way to bring everyone together, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
So, if you’re looking for a day filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of family-friendly activities, join us at the Fall in Love with Downtown Festival! We’re new to the experience, but we’re diving right in and can’t wait to make some amazing memories.
Full Schedule:
- 8:00 AM: Turkey Trot 5K (Amphitheater)
- 10:30 AM: Bed Races (Downtown)
- 11:30 AM: Local Talent Showcase (Amphitheater)
- 12:00 PM: Cornhole Tournament (101 Main St.)
- 3:00 PM: Twinkie Eating Contest (Amphitheater)
- 5:00 PM: Opening Entertainment (Amphitheater Stage)
- 7:00 PM: Headliner & Street Dance (Amphitheater)
If you’ve never been before, this is the perfect year to give it a try—and why not make it a weekend by booking a stay at Aiukli Cabins? We’d love to host you! See you downtown on October 12th!