Sparta Persimmon Days expects record numbers this year!

Joey and Ragan Sartin with their son enjoy food and music at the event Friday afternoon. CT Photo Johnny Rooster

Sparta, MO — A record number, 149 vendors, are participating in the 36th annual Persimmon Days Festival at Roller Park in Sparta this weekend, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21. “Three to six thousand visitors are expected again this year,” Persimmon Day Lady Valorie Watts told the CCT.

Vendors from the past keep coming back, and new ones add on. It’s a big deal! Persimmons are actually a peculiar tasting fruit full of seeds that grow on (you got it!) persimmon trees in the Ozarks. But, despite a funny fruity name, the event is smash hit with great food, music, crafts and handmade treasures for all!

And the event brings in money to support local charities.

“We want to thank out event sponsors this year,” Watts said. “Ozark Chevrolet, Old School Heat and Air, Roller Mechanical, Hodges Insurance, Ozarks Auto 24-Hour Towing, and 105.1 The Bull.”

Musical Lineup

Brandy Lee plays Friday afternoon. CT Photo Johnny Rooster

Friday, Oct. 20

11-noon, Jim Ellis

12:30-1:30 Larry Perkins

2-4 Brandy Lee

4:30-6 Brandyn Wiles

Saturday, Oct. 21

9-11 Cal Coxie and the Relentless Few

11:30 – 12:30 Brandyn Wiles

1-2 Jared Grimes

2:30-3:30 Kingsound

4-6 Johnny Mace and the Countryline Band

Get on your costume and join the parade!

Saturday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. is the annual Persimmon Days Parade. Lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. at Sparta Middle School. No fees to join parade!

Community kids invited to walk or ride bikes in parade.

Costume contest following parade in front of the Middle School.

PRIZES for:

Scariest Costume

Cutest Kid

Best Adult

Best Group

Funniest Costume

Most Creative

Best Couple

Best Family

Best Pet

Best Decorated Bike

Best Decorated Side-by-Side

TRUNK OR TREAT

Trunk or Treat, hosted by Sparta First Baptist Church, is from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Roller Park! Candy for the kiddies!

“Come out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather, the music, food and shopping,” Watts concluded.

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