ONEIDA — Oneida’s second annual Fall Fest is right around the corner, and those interested in becoming vendors are invited.

The city’s first-ever Fall Fest was a big success, with over 1,000 people attending from all over, according to City Clerk Sandy LaPera. This year’s Fall Fest is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 12 to 4 p.m.

LaPera and Deputy City Clerk Andrea Hitchings are on the Fall Fest Committee and looking to fill out the last remaining spots for vendors. New to the committee, LaPera said there was no need to put the word out because Elise Allen, the owner of the Oneida Commons Vendor Mall, handled the crafters last year. “Elise did a weekly craft event every Saturday morning, and last year, the city of Oneida piggy-backed on her event with the Fall Fest,” LaPera said. However, the Oneida Commons is now closed.

LaPera and Hitchings said they have around 16 applicants who will have stalls set up at the Fall Fest. Among those applicants are Rebecca Hamm of Perriwinkle Pig, Florenza Prezeau of Florenza Art, and Melisa Mannix of Color Street. LaPera said she and Hitchings had a chance to see the kind of works of each of the applicants and were blown away.

“Florenza is an artist, and she showed us some of her artwork, which was amazing,” LaPera said. “It’s something different. She can recreate almost any picture, looking at it and drawing it. She’ll be set up and doing live paintings. I haven’t seen anything like it before at other craft shows.”

LaPera said this year, the Fall Fest should have a unique variety of vendors with different kinds of crafts that aren’t usually seen.

“The Fall Fest is bigger this year, and we’ve made some improvements from last year,” LaPera said.

“There’s going to be more food vendors, eight not-for-profits, kids will be able to touch a truck again, and more. Everyone’s invited to this free, family-friendly event,” she added.

Those interested in becoming a vendor are asked to email oneidafallfest@oneidacity.com. Those with questions can contact the city clerk’s office at 315-363-7378.

The cost to set up as a vendor is $25 and affords a 15 by 15 spot. Applicants are encouraged to respond quickly, as space is limited and is given on a first-come-first-serve basis.