The 40th annual Mayfest went off without a hitch, as around 8,000 people came out for the ever-popular event featuring crafts, food, drinks, live music, carnival rides, a tractor show, a plant sale, and a car and truck show that captivated attendees of all ages, who, by all appearances, had a great time.
The official festivities began Friday evening with the Mayfest Parade, featuring Citizens Electric, the Republic-Monitor’s Jackie Wengert Memorial Business of the Year, as its grand marshal. Also appearing in the parade were Andy Graf, the Republic-Monitor’s Jackie Wengert Memorial Citizen of the Year and Kali and Kayda Ernst, the Republic-Monitor’s Young Citizens of the Year.
Tess and Tristen Dunker, owners of the Bootheel Baking Company — the Republic- Monitor’s New Business of the Year, were unable to attend.
This year’s theme was “There’s No Place Like Mayfest,” with a nod to the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, that starred Judy Garland as Dorothy, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West.
The Wizard of Oz characters seen throughout the parade were a big hit with the large crowd that lined the streets as the parade departed from the City Park roundabout, traveled down Ste. Marie Street turned left onto Main Street, then turned left onto South Street, and ended just past the city parking lot.
The winners in the float contest were: First Place – Perry County Towing; Second Place – United Bank, and Third Place – United Enterprises.
Friday night’s events ended with the dance, pop/rock band Champagne Fixx from St. Louis playing live at the Downtown Plaza Stage.
On Saturday morning, the day began bright and early with the Mayfest 5K Run/Walk at the Perry Park Center, along with the Perry County Creative Arts Council Art Show, the 32nd Annual Perryville Garden Club Plant Sale, the Mayfest Craft Fair, the 32nd Annual Mayfest Car and Truck Show, and the Antique Tractor Show, as well as carnival rides, all within a comfortable walking distance from the main activities around the Perryville Town Square.
And let’s not forget the Annual Alpha Delta Kappa Cutest Baby Contest, with the title awarded to Theo Ruessler, the infant son of Bobby and Megan Ruessler.
Food Vendor Chairman Alex Luders was pleased with the quality of food vendors that took part in this year’s Mayfest.
“As the food vendor chairman, I was incredibly grateful for the many fantastic food vendors we had at Mayfest this year,” she said. “They offered a wide variety of amazing food options, and we truly appreciate the effort they put into serving such a large crowd.
“Despite the high demand, they worked hard to serve their delicious menus promptly and efficiently, and we recognize how much effort it took to keep up with the steady flow of hungry festivalgoers. Their dedication helped create an enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Renee Lottes, executive director of the Perryville Chamber of Commerce and Mayfest Craft Fair chairman, couldn’t have been happier with the way the weekend turned out. “Mayfest 2025 presented by Rollet Bros. Trucking, Inc. was truly one for the books!” she said. “We were blessed with incredible weather and record-breaking attendance as we celebrated the 40th annual Mayfest.
"This marks my 15th year being part of Mayfest, and I’ve never seen a crowd this big — it was truly amazing to witness so many people come together to celebrate our community! We are deeply grateful to all of our sponsors, volunteers, bands, food vendors, craft vendors, car show participants, the carnival, the Antique Tractor Club, and the Perry Park Center 5K Run — and to everyone who came out to celebrate this special milestone with us.
"Our entertainment lineup was phenomenal. Friday night featured Champagne Fixx, new to Mayfest, who did an outstanding job of keeping the crowd energized. Saturday morning kicked off with Umbra, followed by Still Standing in the afternoon—both delivered amazing performances. On Saturday night, the Well Hungarians brought in a huge crowd and wowed us with an incredible variety of songs.
“The craft fair drew thousands of visitors to the streets throughout Saturday morning and afternoon — there truly was something for everyone! This successful weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Mayfest Committee and all their hard work behind the scenes. I also want to give a big round of applause to HIWAY Rodders, Forward Slash Technology, the City of Perryville and the American Legion. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who helped make Mayfest 2025 such a huge success. We hope you all had a wonderful time and made memories to last a lifetime!”
