By: Lillian Aynes and Kai Chen
Held annually since 2001, Candler Park’s Fall Fest has become a time-honored tradition where family, friends, and neighbors can spend a weekend exploring 200 local art markets, 20 food vendors, and the two music stages in the heart of Candler Park.
Vendors from all across Atlanta come to participate in Fall Fest. Candler Park resident and committee chair Amy Wheeler said that the main mission of the festival is to contribute to community improvement projects.
“At its core, Fall Fest is a fundraiser for the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization,” Wheeler said. “Proceeds support community projects such as the Candler Park playground renovation, improvements to Mulberry Fields and Mary Lin Elementary’s outdoor classroom — nearly $200,000 of Fall Fest proceeds have been donated to these projects in recent years.”
Aside from the craft vendors and food trucks, Fall Fest features many attractions, including “Kidlandia” and the neighborhood 5K. Wheeler said each volunteer in the festival committee is responsible for organizing an experience.
“A committee of about a dozen neighborhood volunteers starts meeting monthly in February — roughly eight months ahead of the festival,” Wheeler said. “Each member leads a specific area such as the artist market, food vendors, entertainment, ‘Kidlandia,’ the 5K, sponsorships, graphic design, social media, and finance.”
In addition to the festival committee, Wheeler said the festival procedures and other community events, such as the Fall Ball and the Tour of Homes, are organized by separate committees.
“A separate team of two volunteers manages all operational vendors — from security and sanitation to tents, generators, and bike valet,” Wheeler said. “In addition, the Fall Ball and Tour of Homes each have their own volunteer teams. Once the date is set, planning begins in earnest: opening applications for artists and performers, submitting permits, reaching out to sponsors, and securing vendors.”
After the planning phase is complete, vendors and volunteers work together to set up tents and equipment on the day of the event. Wheeler said some of the biggest challenges they face include intricate schedules and weather complications.
“Aside from unpredictable weather, the most complex part is load-in for artists and vendors,” Wheeler said. “A detailed load-in schedule coordinates who arrives when and where — from artists unloading their booths to the stage crew maneuvering large equipment into the park. It’s a massive logistical puzzle that requires precision and patience.”
Fall Fest enables many newer artists and businesses to draw interest in their work. Midtown junior Grey Boblett made his first appearance at Fall Fest this year with his business GLB Thrift, a one-man-operated shop for vintage, thrifted clothing.
“I have a lot of vintage shirts, jerseys, sportswear, hoodies, and NASCAR,” Boblett said. “People love vintage, old sports, and comfortable, good quality hoodies.”
Boblett’s logistical approach to Fall Fest involved sourcing items from thrift stores across Atlanta independently, with every piece of clothing being hand-picked, priced, and put up for sale by Boblett himself.
“I prepared by sourcing for around two months, saving everything up in my room, then itemizing and pricing everything a few days before,” Boblett said. “I think my process and my clothes are a lot more unique, and it is definitely better than buying from a wholesale company.”
Lawrenceville artist Angelica Beristain, owner of El Matchiu Crafts, debuted her handmade felt creations at Fall Fest this year. As a woman-owned business, she said she prioritizes showcasing different cultures and traditions from around the world.
“This is my first time at Fall Fest, but I’ve been in the area for about three years,” Beristain said. “I sell hand-stitched charms, wind chimes, bags, keychains, finger puppets, and I have jewelry that includes earrings and some necklaces, they all represent our passion for culture, travel, and the wonders of this world.”
Beristain’s work is inspired by her family, specifically her mother’s passion for sewing. El Matchiu’s products highlight Beristain’s background and her mother’s influence on her work.
“My mom, when I was little, used to have a sewing business,” Beristain said. “She would fix clothes, and she’s really good at art. I’m from Mexico, and this is something that you pass on, so she taught me how to create everything. So just having her around, just seeing all the things that she can create, started the spark on my creative side.”
El Matchiu’s items are handcrafted from beginning to end with bright colors and eye-catching patterns. Beristain attributes their popularity among customers to the design, detail, and colors that make her work distinctive.
“Everything is hand-stitched,” Beristain said. “I can customize any product, and they’re very unique. If you look around, there’s no one else that sells something like this … So that’s what makes me stand out because my products are very colorful. Everybody says it’s fun and this sparks joy, it’s happy. So that’s what makes me stand out.”
Year after year, Fall Fest gives the community a chance to come together, discover new local favorites, and support the small business owners who make the event so special. Wheeler said this showcases the main values of the neighborhood as a whole.
“Every fall, as the air cools and the leaves start to turn, neighbors begin talking about Fall Fest,” Wheeler said. “Sunday afternoon has become known as ‘Neighbor Hours, ’ a time when people slow down, reconnect, and meet new friends while wandering through the park. Fall Fest is a perfect reflection of Candler Park itself — laid-back, creative, and full of heart.”