Don’t miss the annual Springfield Fall Festiva
The Springfield Fall Festival was created by the Springfield Merchants Association in 2012. The event now draws more than 5,000 people to downtown each year.
DID YOU KNOW:
The City of Springfield has created a online portal for resident requests. Select “Report an Issue” on the homepage of the website for any city questions or concerns.
As many people still remember, downtown Springfield was a hub of activity and community prior to the construction of the Hwy 21 bypass. Businesses that had once thrived started to wane. Starting a new business in downtown took a lot of determination and effort – which is exactly what the founding members of the Springfield Merchants Association had. They understood that in order to be successful, they needed to do more than just promote each business, they needed to promote downtown. They started the Springfield Fall Festival in 2012 to do just that.
The quaint downtown mainstreet had been preserved by the construction of the bypass and created the perfect setting for a street festival.
Springfield Merchant Association officers Jamey Stancell, Ruthie Polk & Jennifer Smith wanted to create a multifaceted event with something for everyone. The first Fall Festival was two days long, starting Friday evening and ending Saturday night. The event included a family-friendly environment with street vendors, food tents and live music. Brad Smith and Tim Polk rounded up every car, motorcycle and buggy owner they could find to line the streets to compete for a custom “Best in Show” Trophy. The event became
a huge success and the community showed their support with increasing crowds each year.
With the event getting more and popular, the volunteer led Merchants Association decided to partner with the City of Springfield in 2016 to help manage the growing event. The partnership with the City allowed for more planning, larger music acts, and the ability to accommodate even more vendors and food trucks.
The City of Springfield now hosts the festival so that the downtown merchants can focus on promoting their businesses during the event. The Springfield Fall Festival has become the pride and joy of downtown. The City recognizes the positive economic impact events can bring and will continue the festival as long as downtown continues to reap the benefits.
This year’s festival will feature county music act Mark Chesnutt, over 100 vendor booths, and 20 food vendors. The City is proud to host this event each year and even more proud to have it supported by our residents and business. We all owe thanks to the Springfield Merchants Association and its members for creating this amazing tradition.
HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHT:
After the close of the First Friday Family night series Downtown Springfield goes into Holiday mode! There are so many fun fall and Christmas activities. The Downtown Businesses really do put in the effort to bring you all a fun holiday season. Some of our favorites will continue, such as the downtown retailers Christmas Open House, always the first Saturday in November. And some new traditions are starting! Make sure to check the City Calendar and the local Facebook pages for upcoming events and details.
If you haven’t noticed Halloween will fall on Friday night this year. Many of our businesses will be open later, offering fun activities, or handing out candy. The Mars Theatre will be offering a free movie and a costume contest! Follow the DDA Facebook page for more info!
City Manager Appointment
City Contacts:
Administration & Council: jsmith@springfieldga.org
Accounts & Billing: billing@springfieldga.org
Police Dept. and Court: dseagroves@springfieldga.org
Public Works: springfield@eomworks.com
Building & Zoning: ephillips@springfieldga.org
City Manager Lauren Eargle: leargle@springfieldga.org
Mayor Barton Alderman: balderman@springfieldga.org
Police Chief James Woodcock: jwoodcock@springfieldga.org
City Calendar
Effingham County Fair
10/16 to 10/25
Fair Grounds on Zoller Rd
Fall Fun Fest
10/18/25
At CEM Recreation Complex
Halloween Downtown
10/31/25
Laurel Street, Downtown Springfield
Springfield Fall Festival
11/8/25
Laurel Street, Downtown Springfield
Tree Lighting
12/5/25
Second Street Parking Lot
Sleigh Bells and Symphonies
12/13/25
Mars Theatre
Lighted Christmas Parade
12/20/25
Ash, Old Stillwell, Laurel and Madison St
City Calendar
View all Public Meetings on our Calendar.
Click the “City Calendar” link in the upper right side of this page menu.
The Planning & Zoning Board generally meets on Monday the week prior to Council at 6:00pm.
The City Council & Mayor regularly meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 6:00pm.
The Downtown Development Authority generally meets on the third Monday of the Month at 5:30pm.
Meeting Agendas for Planning Board and Council are posted here:
springfieldga.org/agenda-center