DPJ’s Wire series delivers news and information straight from the source without translation.

Certified Local Fall Festival Finds New Home at Hance Park
As support for local businesses continues to grow, annual festival expands to meet demand

The 12th annual Certified Local Fall Festival presented by Local First Arizona will be held at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, November 5, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This marks the third location for this annual festival as the annual celebration of Arizona’s local businesses continues to grow in popularity.

Local First Arizona Fall Festival

Local First Arizona Fall Festival

The Certified Local Fall Festival began at the parking lot of the Duck and Decanter at 16th Street and Camelback in 2005. From there, it moved to Portland Parkway in downtown Phoenix in 2013 to accommodate larger attendance and increased vendors and activities. Just three years later, the festival is making a new home at Hance Park.

“While scouting for new locations, we wanted to keep the Certified Local Fall Festival in central Phoenix and close to the downtown core that has been a hotbed for local business development over the last decade,” said Kimber Lanning, Founder and Director of Local First Arizona. “Hance Park is a perfect new home for the Certified Local Fall Festival for its proximity to public transportation including the Light Rail, and is at the center of many community and business development initiatives.”

Fall Festival 2014 Kids Photo ResizedThe Certified Local Fall Festival is a free family-friendly event for all ages and an annual celebration of all things local to Arizona. The Festival highlights everything that Arizona has to offer, from one-of-a-kind local shops, boutiques, and restaurants to Arizona-made wine, beer, and spirits. This year’s festival will feature more than 100 vendors with some of Arizona’s favorite local businesses; food samples from some of the best Arizona restaurants and food trucks; the Beverage Garden featuring Arizona-produced wine, beer, and spirits; live entertainment from some of Arizona’s most talented musicians at the Entertainment Stage; crafts and activities for kids and families; a raffle with gift cards and prizes from local businesses; an online silent auction featuring items and experiences, along with staycation packages across the state; and much more.

Event details:

What: 12th Annual Certified Local Fall Festival
When: Saturday, November 5, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix (Near Moreland Street between 1st and 3rd Streets).
Cost: Free to attend. Tickets for food sampling and activities will be available for purchase. Vendors will be selling products and services.

The 2016 Certified Local Fall Festival is made possible through support of Nextiva, Social Television Network, and Duck and Decanter.

Photos courtesy of Local First Arizona.