The crisp, cool air in Sykesville signifies to the Sykesville Business Association president that it's time for the annual Fall Festival.

"It has a charm," said Carol Felker about the festival. "A small town charm that you don't find too many other places."

The festival, sponsored by the Sykesville Business Association and the Town of Sykesville, is in its 36th year, and this year will see an expansion of vendors and children's activities.

"It's the biggest event in the downtown area, and it's just a great festival where the whole town comes down to Main Street," said Ivy Wells, Sykesville director of tourism and economic development.

For the first time, the Fall Festival will feature town crier Frederick Taylor, of Catonsville, who will make announcements, walk the Main Street festival area and interact with visitors. Taylor is one of 39 card-carrying members of the American Guild of Town Criers.

"I think it will be a very nice addition," Felker said.

The festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 17.

Parking is available for free at Freedom Park and a shuttle will be provided. Preferred parking is also available at South Branch Park for a fee.

All the festival's popular features will be back -- food, more than 50 vendors and entertainment.

"We had an amazing response for participation form merchant vendors," Felker said. "It's refreshing and overwhelming and exciting, and it speaks volumes for our success from past years."

Children's activities will take over the parking lot behind E.W. Beck's Restaurant. For an $8 wristband good all day, kids can play on two moon bounces, a 57-foot obstacle course, a carousel bouncer, two slides and play basketball.

Silly Willy the Clown will return with his trademark balloon art and general silliness.

Up the street on Sandosky Road, pony rides will be available, and children can also ride the Little Sykes Railway, she said.

Sykesville commemorative ornaments will be on sale for $15 each at the Old Main Line Visitors Center and Post Office booth, Felker said, and St. Paul's United Methodist Church will have a bake sale.

For those looking to get a slight head start on the Fall Festival, St. Barnabas Parish House on Main Street will serve breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon, she said.

With a dedicated crew of volunteers and SBA members, all Felker has to worry about now is weather -- and hope that enough people come out to enjoy the changing of the leaves in Sykesville.

Last year's Fall Festival drew about 3,000 people.

"I truly believe we will exceed that number," she said.

36th Annual Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Main Street, Sykesville

Parking: Free parking and shuttle at Freedom Park, Raincliffe Road, Sykesville or $5 preferred parking at South Branch Park, West Friendship Road, Sykesville.

Rain date is Saturday, Oct. 17.

Children's Activities

E.W. Beck's Parking Lot -- $8 gets unlimited access to two moon bounces, 57-foot obstacle course, carousel bouncer, two slides and basketball hoop. Face painters and Silly Willy the Clown will also be on hand.

St. Barnabas Church -- make your own scarecrows

Sandosky Road -- Little Sykes Railway, pony rides

Main Street Entertainment

Begins at 9 a.m. with performances by N-Full Motion Marching Band, Sykesville Tae Kwon Do, United Hop Ki Do and Tri-Star Martial Arts

The band, Spiral, performs 12:30 to 5 p.m.

Town Crier Frederick Taylor will announce activities and events throughout the day.

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