How it all began…
1984 – A series of events fueled the evolution of an idea to hold an outdoor festival as a project of the Junior League. The idea was the dream of Junior League member and City of Wichita Falls Public Relations Director Norma Crane. While talk of a festival was in its infancy among a core group of League members, across town a new organization was forming-Wichita Falls Streams & Valleys, Inc. This new organization was founded and headed by Roby Christie, a tireless community volunteer who was looking for ways to increase participation in the city’s newest event, and Christie’s brainchild, the Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred bike ride. He also planned for the organization to be heavily involved in the development of parks and green spaces in the city. While looking for board members for the fledgling organization, Christie turned to Junior League members Ruth Ann Allred, Sue Crosnoe, Sandy Goff, Gail Natale and Gale Richardson. This combination marked the beginning of what would become a very successful collaboration.
FallsFest is the largest and most diverse outdoor festival in Wichita Falls. Nationally ranked musical entertainment, laser show, fireworks, food, games, fun run, motorcycle poker run, volleyball, Golf Tournament and rides keep visitors to Lucy Park busy for two days. Streams and Valleys is one of the three Sponsors of Falls Fest; The Junior League of Wichita Falls, Wichita Falls Parks and Recreation, and Streams and Valleys. The Junior League of Wichita Falls fills the primary leadership role in the organization of FallsFest. Streams and Valleys provides special transportation at the festival along with Natural Adventures. The natural adventures that are offered are Rock Climbing, Monkey Bridge, dunking booth, FallsFest Tractor Train, a game of balance called the Flipper and canoe rides. FallsFest provides revenue to many organizations in Wichita Falls.
A Farewell to FallsFest – 2015 was the 30th and final year for FallsFest.
With much sadness from all involved parties, the decision was reached that 2015 would be the final year for the FallsFest event. Mounting entertainment costs, manpower, and additional entertainment options all lead to this decision. FallsFest was developed to promote our outdoor green spaces and offer affordable entertainment for families.