Every fourth full weekend of September, the Fall Festival sets up shop in historic downtown Liberty. Stands selling crafts, food and raising money for fundraisers line the streets from Friday to Sunday, visited by hundreds of people every day.

The festival has been a tradition since 1934, when the Clay County 4-H met while William Jewel College held their homecoming events. For over 80 years, the people of Liberty have gathered to celebrate culture and have fun.

Mrs. Jones, an English teacher at LHS, has been plenty of times.

“I used to go every year when my kids were in the parade. My son was in it for football and my daughter for dance. I think a lot more people go to it, now. It seems like it’s more crowded.”

There are fun rides, games and prizes to win for kids and shopping and raffles for adults.

“The kids see it as more of a carnival-type setting, but the adults treat it almost like an art show,” senior Katie Allgaier said. “They wander around, look at everything, buy things here and there and enjoy it. While the kids just go crazy.”

Allgaier is a member of the Liberty High School’s Robotics group, Team 1764. They marched in the Fall Festival parade with a robot they had made. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.

“The robot stopped working and I pushed it up a hill. It’s like 120 pounds. It was not fun.” Allgaier said.

However, Allgaier remained optimistic. This year, not only was the team a part of the Fall Festival parade, but they also had a booth on the square. Allgaier welcomed fellow students, adults and children with a smile on her face. The group held a raffle for LEGOs as well as a personal drone in order to raise money for the team.

Other than Robotics, there were plenty of other booths to visit. Tables selling customized name plates, hand-stitched purses, baskets and, of course, food.

Philly cheesesteaks, Italia`n sausages, snow cones, kettle corn and even deep fried Oreos are regulars at the festival. Everyone has the one they look forward to every year.

“My son goes a lot. Do they still have that booth where they have the root beer in the old timey bottle? That is his favorite booth,” Jones said.

As day progresses into night, the street lamps come on and the carnival rides light up with bright colors. Fun is had, memories are made and families leave with only one thing on their mind: looking forward to next year.