La Mesa Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mary England has been watching Grossmont Center—because good things are happening there. The shopping center’s operations are back in the hands of the original owners, the Cushman family. Food trucks, recycling events, outdoor concerts are just a few of the events that have revved up the energy of the shopping center, and England saw the time as right to tap into the energy and hold a fall festival with what else—food, beer and music.
La Mesa Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mary England has been watching Grossmont Center—because good things are happening there. The shopping center’s operations are back in the hands of the original owners, the Cushman family. Food trucks, recycling events, outdoor concerts are just a few of the events that have revved up the energy of the shopping center, and England saw the time as right to tap into the energy and hold a fall festival with what else—food, beer and music.
FallFest 2015 will be held Oct. 16 -17 in the parking lot area of Macy’s and Hooley’s, from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. A “little bit country, and a little bit rock ’n roll,” the event will be fun-filled and safe England assures, but not a departure from what people want and expect from a fall festival celebrating the traditional Oktoberfest.
Award-winning country music singer and songwriter Brent Payne and his band will perform Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. The LMCOC secured Payne with help from local philanthropist Jerry Lester, who will assist in sponsoring Payne. Saturday night will have the country and Friday night will have the rock ’n roll.
Both nights will have food and beer (beer service will end at 11:30 p.m.), though FallFest is not a “street fair” type event. What the event will have that has got the public and volunteers so excited, is parking.
“I’m amazed how in conversations, the ease and availability of parking always comes up,” England said. People want to got to an event like FallFest and have fun, but not necessarily hike from blocks away to do it. Not having to park and walk long distances for a good time is a big draw.”
There are many moving pieces, England admits, but she has been working on FallFest since the first quarter.
Since hired by the LMCOC in 2008, England has worked hard cultivating sponsorships, partnerships, rapports, and creating community events. Sponsors involved so far are Sycuan Casino, a presenting sponsor, and Viejas, and entertainment sponsor. Attendees over the age of 21 will enjoy five styles of Sam Adams beer. With change of venue, “the beer sponsor is coming with us,” said England.
Her vision is matched by her vivaciousness, which helped create annual events like Taste of La Mesa and Salute to Local Heroes.
So why not do a FallFest at Grossmont Center, get in on the revival of sorts happening there? Grossmont Center is as significant to La Mesa as it’s ever been, contributing 20 percent of sales tax to the City of La Mesa, but its brand has undeniably added value with rotating events and reliable, well-known retail employing many locals. People gather there, so give the people more of what they want. FallFest is a savvy, win-win for La Mesans, and what England referred to as “my baby now.”
“All the stars aligned,” England said of the inaugural event. “It’s time to chart our own destiny.”
For more information on FallFest 2015, log onto www.grossmontcenter.com, www.lamesachamber.net.
