NEWMAN — Carnival rides, sizzling street food, and a classic car showcase headlined the Newman Fall Festival, which returned Aug. 29 through Sept. 1 with a full slate of entertainment, tournaments, and hometown traditions. The four-day celebration drew crowds to Pioneer Park and downtown Newman, where evening attendance surged despite an unexpected heat wave that pushed temperatures past 100 degrees.

Festival Chairperson Christine Eddington said she was proud of the expanded food offerings, new entertainment events, and a safer park layout, which included armed guards during evening hours. “It was an excellent year to conclude my tenure,” said Eddington, who stepped down after six years of service. “We’re proud of how the festival continues to grow while staying true to its roots.”

Despite forecasts predicting highs in the upper 90s, festivalgoers were met with an unexpected heat wave that pushed temperatures past 100 degrees throughout the weekend. Attendance dipped during the hottest hours of the day, but crowds surged after 5 p.m., when cooler evening air brought families back to Pioneer Park and other venues around Newman. Organizers said the heat is a familiar challenge for the late-summer event. “It’s common for our festival to be hot,” said Eddington. “We saw strong turnout in the evenings, which is when most of the entertainment is scheduled anyway.”

Friday’s kickoff featured food booths, vendors, and free kids’ activities, including face painting and balloon animals. That evening, the Downtown Plaza hosted “Evening Under the Stars,” a ticketed tasting event spotlighting regional wines, craft brews, and gourmet bites.

Saturday brought carnival attractions and the return of the Miss Newman and Little Mr. & Miss Newman pageants, a tradition dating back to 1971. Sophia Johnston, 5, was crowned Little Miss Newman, and Roman Rodriguez Gonzalez, 4, earned the title of Little Mr. Newman. Melany Rios was named Miss Newman 2025, with Rosario Mendoza as first runner-up and Samira Iniguez Anderson receiving Miss Congeniality.

Also Saturday, Densmore Park hosted the Coed Volleyball Tournament, organized by longtime volunteer Kiyo Yamamoto. “It can be very competitive or laid-back,” Yamamoto said. “The goal is fun and connection.” In the upper division, it was Zacatecas that took first and team Modesto took second. In the lower division, Yo Mama took first place and Mitch Please won second.

Sunday’s parade through downtown Newman was led by Police Chief Randy Richardson, honored as grand marshal ahead of his retirement. Richardson, who joined the Newman Police Department in 1998, called the recognition “especially meaningful” as he prepares to step down.

After the parade, Pioneer Park welcomed the Westside Auto Club Car Show, featuring rare vehicles and restoration stories.

Sunday also included a Cornhole Tournament hosted by the Newman Police K-9 Association, with divisions for advanced, competitive, and social players. For the social division, Beer Team took the championship, with Marfa taking second and T2P placing third. In the competitive division, J Blaze and the Old man took the championship and Squabbletown Slidrs came in second and Girls Throw Too placing third. In the Advanced division, Mora-Dynasty won the championship and MexiGuese took second and 3rd Place Champs aptly won third place.

Monday wrapped up the sports lineup with the Coed Softball Tournament at Barrington Park. Entry was $250 per team, with bracket play and a three-game guarantee. The winner had not been announced by press time.

New this year were two entertainment additions: a community talent show and a Battle of the Bands competition. Organizer Marisa Yakutis said the events were designed to rekindle nostalgia and spotlight local performers. The results of the Battle of the Bands and the talent show were pending as of Tuesday morning.

Eddington said she received mostly positive feedback from attendees, with some concerns about vendor pricing. Several attendees voiced concerns on social media about the cost of carnival rides and the absence of wristband options. Eddington acknowledged the frustration and explained that Johnston Amusements, the longtime ride provider for the Newman Fall Festival, operated solely on a ticket system this year. In previous years, Johnston partnered with Teaco Amusements of Patterson, which offered wristbands. “This is something the committee will have to consider moving forward,” Eddington said, noting that the partnership did not continue this year and that pricing decisions ultimately rest with the amusement vendors. “We strive to provide as much free entertainment and activities as possible,” she said, citing the kids’ zone and free entry as key efforts.

With its blend of tradition and fresh energy, the Newman Fall Festival once again delivered a celebration for longtime residents and first-time visitors alike.