Connell, WA - Fall Festival traditionally falls on the second weekend of September with few exceptions. The interpretation of what the second weekend ends up being is made without regard for the length of the first weekend of September.
The Greater Connell Area Chamber of Commerce board recently voted to move the 2025 Fall Festival date to September 6 - which would place it following Labor Day weekend.
Distance from the Othello Fair dates and various entertainment bookings were the primary reasons for the move.
In further discussion amongst the board, the economic advantages of spreading guest attendance across two weekends were worth exploring (the second weekend being the Columbia Basin Jr Livestock Show sale).
"many existing or potential volunteers are trying to be in too many places at once - we need more help..."
In what may only be a one-time experiment, the move has generated undue controversy as rogue agents allege that the move was to "get away from the livestock show" (with some prejudice).
The Chamber board confirms that the move was strategic and in the interest of accommodating multiple requests from event managers, restaurants, and retailers.