By Elise Gray
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Twin Peaks Community Center was transformed into a hub of fall festivities as the Mountain Provisions Cooperative hosted its second annual Fall Fest. The event drew a crowd of locals, vendors and visitors, all eager to embark on a lively afternoon packed with fall festivities, live entertainment, delicious treats and handmade wares.
The Fall Fest delivered on its promise to be a family-friendly celebration, with a raffle for those who donated to the Mountain Provisions and a stellar pet costume parade. Attendees could take their pick of pumpkins with a vibrant pumpkin patch or spirited face painting.
Janeva Zentz from First Dibs Comedy was the host while local pups dressed as spooky specters, vying for the coveted title of “Best Dressed.” The contest added a playful energy to the event, with many crowd members snapping photos and rooting for four-legged contestants.
Vendors like Shop Lady Stardust lined up from all over the mountain to share their work at Fall Fest.
Vendors came from far and wide, like Smallstead Flower Farm, a boutique flower business based in Hesperia. They donated a sought-after fresh-cut flower bouquet to the raffle and their high-quality, curated floral display attracted many patrons. Many other local businesses showcased their talents, offering everything from artisanal crafts to tasty snacks, like the delicious baked goods offered at Oak Leaf Bakery, which kept attendees browsing and munching throughout the day. Those craving a taste of the season indulged in warm cider, freshly made donuts and comforting cups of coffee. The food and artisan vendor marketplace was a popular stop, giving people a chance to support local businesses while savoring the flavors of fall.
A spooky pumpkin patch for Fall Fest visitors to enjoy.
The event also provided a lively soundtrack with DJ Jory spinning a mix of “spooky jams,” adding to the Halloween spirit. Children danced and sang along to live performances by local musician Susan Lovell, creating joyful memories with friends and family. A striking Dia de los Muertos art installation captivated onlookers, adding a thoughtful cultural touch to the celebration and honoring the traditions of the fall season.
In a special community moment, the San Bernardino County firefighters and Sparky the dog made an appearance, much to the excitement of the crowd. Attendees took the opportunity to meet and thank their local heroes for protecting surrounding mountain communities from the recent Line Fire.
Mountain Provisions Cooperative’s Fall Fest proved to be a memorable gathering, highlighting the spirit of the season and community, a feeling that the organization strives for. “Mountain Provisions Cooperative is all about reconnecting our communities with nourishing, responsibly sourced food while creating spaces that bring us together,” said Stevie Joy Leigh Guiol, education coordinator at Mountain Provisions Cooperative.
With pumpkins, costumes, crafts and camaraderie, it appears the cooperative succeeded in its mission. As attendees left with arms full of pumpkins, treats and handmade goods, the anticipation for next year’s Fall Fest already hung in the air.
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