The East Haven Fall Festival has grown over the years with many new features added, while retaining the traditional favorites that the festival began with in its inaugural two-day event in 1992. The 24th annual Fall Festival is this weekend, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 and running through 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Frank Gentilesco of the East Haven mayor’s office. “It’s probably the best free festival in the state and we draw a crowd from all over.”

Gentilesco noted that throughout the weekend, upwards of 30,000 people attend the festival, which includes a packed entertainment schedule, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, carnival rides and games, and more throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, the East Haven Chamber of Commerce will hold a business showcase from 10 a.m. to noon with the other attractions beginning at noon and continuing until 11 p.m.

Attorney Andrew M. Amendola (sponsor), Joe Riccio (race director), and the Warren Street Social and Athletic Club of Connecticut are bringing a 5K back to the Fall Festival with the first-ever East Haven Fall Classic 5K Road Race, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 starting at the East Haven Town Green.

The 5K will follow a new, flat, certified course and is a USATF-sanctioned race. A kids’ fun run for ages six and younger begins at 9:15 a.m., a kids’ fun run for ages 7 to 11 begins at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K and two-mile fitness walk begin at 10 a.m. Proceeds from the race will benefit the East Haven Food Pantry, Springs Learning Center, and the East Haven Animal Shelter.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, the Vietnam Veterans Association, Chapter 484, will host a car show beginning at 9 a.m. with breakfast and coffee available for sale. Nearly 250 cars are expected to be on exhibit. Full festivities follow at noon and continue through 6 p.m.

There will be a Teen Corner on Friday and Saturday night from 6 to 11 p.m. featuring a video game trailer, hamster balls, a bungee run, a DJ, and other activities.

The headlining entertainment act for the weekend is Tony Orlando, who will play at 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. Orlando was a 2002 Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for Outstanding Performance shot to top of the charts in 1973 with his mega hit, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon…” Orlando was the winner of three American Music Awards and twice Branson Entertainer of the Year.

Other featured entertainment over the course of the weekend includes (Friday, Sept. 11) What Up Funk Band and Pauly & the Goodfellas; (Saturday, Sept. 12) the East Haven High School marching band, several martial arts demonstrations and vocal studio performances, Kenny Araujo, Avenue Groove, Prime Time, and Tony Orlando; and (Sunday, Sept. 13) Hopkins Reunion Band, Vinnie Carr Dance Party, Sapphire Band, Nick Fradiani, Sr., Timmy Maia Experience, and more.

“All of this couldn’t be done without the tremendous generosity of our sponsors,” said Gentilesco. “Our sponsors, especially our local businesses have been just fantastic.”

For more information on the East Haven Fall Festival, see the guide printed in last week’s issue,, check out EH Fall Fest on Facebook or Twitter or visit www.townofeasthavenct.org.