GROVE CITY — Although it may not be as large as the Strawberry Days festival, the Grove City Fall Fest this weekend remains a popular event.

Mary Kay Mattocks, festival chairman, said about 2,000 to 3,000 people will attend the Saturday event at Grove City Memorial Park.

“That’s about what we get, if we have good weather, of course,” Mattocks said.

Over the 16 years of the festival, she said there has been snow, rain and even 80 degree heat for the event. However, she said weather has been great for the most part.

She said the park has a large maple tree with leaves that turn a great red color during the fall, and she is optimistic that they will be at their peak for the festival, which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It’s turning,” Mattocks said.

“People come from all over, especially if it’s a nice day,” Mattocks said.

The winner of the Scarecrows in the Park contest will be announced at the festival.

The scarecrows were put up over the weekend. Mattocks said the scarecrows, which are near Main Street, serve as promotion for the festival.

“It always puts people through the park,” Mattocks said.

There are three categories for scarecrow entries: businesses, organizations and individuals.

The fifth annual Great Balls of Fall raffle, which benefits the Grove City Chamber of Commerce, will take place at 2 p.m. Mattocks said this has been a popular event.

“People go out and watch it happen,” Mattocks said.

Up to 3,000 individually numbered golf balls will be released to sail through an obstacle course. The first seven balls to reach the finish line will be the winners.

The first-place prize is $500, the second-place ball is $250 and five third-place balls will be awarded $50 each.

Tickets are $2 each or three for $5 and are available at the chamber office.

There will be more than 300 pumpkins available for children to decorate for free. Mattocks said the pumpkins usually are gone by 2 p.m.

“Get there early,” Mattocks said of those wanting a pumpkin.

The Grove City United Way will sponsor a chili cook-off, a pie bake-off, a new soup contest, a cupcake bake-off for children and other children’s activities under the Highland shelter.

About 50 crafters will sell their items and a “yard sale” area will feature people selling different items. Hay wagon rides will run from noon to 4 p.m. Food will be sold under another pavilion.

“Lots of food this year,” Mattocks said.

Parking will be available at the park and at Grove City High School.