Alisha Gaddis Will Lead Nut Club Fall Festival Parade
The Evansville native will serve as Grand Marshal for the 105th annual festival celebration on October 10.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Food and Drink
Evansville native Alisha Gaddis has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 105th West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. She will lead the event's signature Main Parade down West Franklin Street on October 10, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment honors Gaddis, a local F.J. Reitz High School graduate and 2022 Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Hall of Fame inductee, for her community connections. The festival itself serves as a major regional gathering featuring extensive local nonprofit participation.
The festival features more than 130 food booths operated by local groups. Alisha Gaddis is an accomplished author who has published 10 books.
The players
Alisha Gaddis
She is an Evansville native, F.J. Reitz High School graduate, and author of 10 books.
West Side Nut Club
This local organization hosts the annual Fall Festival to support community groups.
The details
Gaddis, who previously participated in the festival as a Queen Candidate, will preside over the parade route on West Franklin Street. The festival runs from October 5 through October 10 and includes a mix of carnival rides, live entertainment, and food stalls from local churches and school groups.
Timeline
The 105th West Side Nut Club Fall Festival runs from October 5 through October 10, 2026.
The Main Parade is scheduled to take place at 4:30 p.m. on October 10, 2026.
Alisha Gaddis was inducted into the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Hall of Fame in 2022.
Industry Dynamics
The 105th West Side Nut Club Fall Festival represents a century-long tradition of community-driven event planning in the region. This milestone reflects the enduring popularity of hyper-local cultural festivals compared to increasingly standardized national entertainment offerings.
Attendees can visit over 130 food booths operated by local nonprofits throughout the festival week. Residents should expect road activity on West Franklin Street during the parade on October 10.
The takeaway
The festival remains a central pillar of local culture by prioritizing participation from neighborhood school groups and churches. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to the parade route to secure viewing spots for the Grand Marshal procession.
Further reading
For more on community gatherings, visit the Food and Drink section.
