The city of St. James is preparing to host its 93rd annual Grape and Fall Festival, a community-wide celebration that has historically marked the end of harvest season for farmers in the region.

The festival’s roots stretch back nearly a century, with deep ties to the local grape-growing industry. The first Grape and Fall Festival was held in 1933 after St. James businessman George O. Laun attended a peach festival in Illinois and thought that St. James should have a similar event to celebrate its own unique agricultural heritage.

The grape and wine industry in St. James is far older than the festival itself, started by Italian immigrants at the end of the 19th century, who brought their knowledge of the trade with them when they settled in the area. While the Prohibition of alcohol in the early 20th century was a major obstacle to family vineyards in St. James wine-country, some families preserved their vineyards and still maintain a winemaking tradition that continues to this day.

In its 93rd year, the Grape and Fall Festival is bringing back a slate of favorite traditional activities, as well as new offerings for the community. Festivities kick off on Sept. 10 with 4-H exhibits, a flea market, and from 5 to 9 p.m., Purple Lane vendors open.

Carnival rides are open from 6 to 10 p.m. Beer and wine lovers can enjoy a beer and wine garden all weekend, which is open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday.

The Royalty Pageant will take place at 6 p.m. at the Nelson Hart Park Main Stage. This year, the festival has opened the pageant to divisions of all ages.

“Any age group can enter,” said Pageant Coordinator Krista Kelly. “All the way from a baby, up to, you know –there is not age limit. All ages can enter.”

The pageant has 11 contestants this year, who represent a variety of age groups, Kelly said. Contestants will be judged in a variety of competitions, including a performance, an on-stage question and evening apparel. Judges have been brought from outside the St. James community in order to keep the competition fair.

Special titles will be awarded to contestants this year and include “congeniality,” “photogenic” and “best talent.” The winner of the “Queen” title will go on to represent the city of St. James at the Missouri State Fair in August 2027.

Kelly said that the Royalty Pageant is an important tradition for the community — one that she is happy to help continue with assistance from the community.

“We’re truly passionate about keeping the tradition alive and unique. The festival would not be possible without the many volunteers that make a difference in our community,” Kelly said.

Activities for Thursday will come to an end with a concert from The Faster Horses, a Nashville-based southern rock troupe, who will play on the Main Stage at 8 p.m., immediately following the Royalty Pageant.

On Friday, Sept. 11 festival activities will get an early-morning start with a 7 a.m. livestock show. Then, at 1 p.m. there will be a dairy and beef cattle show. Exhibits at the rec center and the flea market will be open from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. A Kids Races event will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the West Field.

At 4 p.m., the St. James Police Department will host a Duck Hunt. Then, from 5 until 7 p.m. there will be a professional dog show at the Nelson Hart Park Arena, where show dogs will compete in performances of agility and obedience.

Purple Lane vendors will be back open at 5 p.m.

At 6 p.m. there will be both a cornhole tournament at the Large Pavilion, and a round of Bingo at the Small Pavilion, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

At 6 p.m. the beer and wine garden will be back open in time for adults to relax with a cold beverage. Carnival rides are also open from 6 to 10 p.m.

At 7 p.m. there will be a team roping rodeo event at the Nelson Hart Park Arena.

Activities for the day will wrap with a concert from Rolla-based singer-songwriter Jordan Isakson at 8 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Saturday, Sept. 12 will be the last day of the Grape and Fall Festival, but is packed with events. A street market will be open most of the day, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Downtown Plaza.

The street parade, the theme for which is “100 Years of Grapes and Great Times,” will get an 11 a.m. start at the Veterans Home, continue through Downtown St. James, and conclude at the High School.

Following the parade, there will be a livestock Buyers Luncheon at 1 p.m., ahead of the livestock auction itself, which begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Livestock Barn.

A carnival matinee will be open from 1 until 5 p.m., and is open to matinee ticket-holders only. Then, from 1 until 9 p.m. both exhibits and a flea market will be open once again.

The beer and wine garden will open at 3 p.m. and remain open for the remainder of the day’s activities.

At 4 p.m., an iconic St. James festival tradition, the grape stomp, will happen at the Small Pavilion in Nelson Hart Park. This year, the event is being sponsored by the St. James Winery.

At 5 p.m. The Knights of Columbia are sponsoring a round of bingo at the Small Pavilion. Also at 5 p.m., the Ozark Spirit Cloggers, a troupe that performs high-energy percussive folk dances, will perform on the Main Stage.

From 6 until 9 p.m. carnival rides will open for all carnival ride pass-holders.

At 7 p.m. the Wiener Dog and Other Breed Races event will take place at the Nelson Hart Park Arena.

Then, the weekend of events will come to a close at the Main Stage with a performance from Columbia-based rockers The House Band.

St. James students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be provided with free wristbands for the festival, and children under 5 years old can enter for free.

Advance tickets for the Grape and Fall Festival can be purchased at St. James City Hall, Town and Country Bank, Maries County Bank, Phelps County Bank, and online at stjparks.recdesk.com. Advance tickets are $30 for a three-day pass. Advance carnival ride passes are $20.

Gate prices for tickets are $15 for a nightly pass. Gate matinee ride passes are $10, and gate carnival ride passes are $20.