Čakovec has donned its autumnal attire once again, with the city centre filled with the scents, colours and tastes of the season. Following Friday and the first day of the Autumn Fair, the events continue through Saturday and Sunday.
The Autumn Fair is a traditional products fair that brings together producers, associations, creative individuals and many visitors. The local tourist board has prepared a diverse programme aimed at connecting tradition, local production, culture and entertainment.
Saturday will be particularly eventful, as, in addition to the fair offerings, it features a range of activities for children, sports activities, exhibitions, workshops, musical performances and a special programme for the opening of the renovated Republic Square. The city streets are given a special atmosphere by the 'Straw Adventures', a display of scarecrows made by children and their educators from local kindergartens. The scarecrows are adorned with autumn motifs, various fabrics, colours and details, becoming a distinctive symbol of this year's fair.
A 'Autumn Miscellany' corner, designed for the youngest visitors, is also part of the fair, where children can enjoy creative content and workshops. The Saturday programme includes a special event marking the opening of the renovated Republic Square, highlighted by performances from local cultural associations and performers. The event will open at 9.50 with the Čakovec Majorettes and the City Band, followed by performances from the 'Čakovec Little Ones', the 'Teuta' contemporary dance studio, the 'Veseli Međimurci' vocal group, Josip Horvat Čeri on the accordion, the Retirees' Choir, as well as students from the local high school.
Visitors can peek into the 'Homemade Flavours' showcase, presented by the Prelog Secondary School, and taste traditional Međimurje delicacies as part of the 'Grandma's Cakes' festival. They can also explore the mushroom exhibition by the 'Smrčak' Mushroom Association's Chakovec branch, taste mushroom goulash, and enjoy creative workshops, including straw craft, traditional toy making, water painting using the sumi-e technique, and a string art workshop. Children can also watch the performance 'What is Learned, Everyone Loves: A Story of Three Schools', with a Baby Disco hosted by Matija Bobek's 'Mysterious Tree' workshop alongside other play areas.
The autumn fair continues on Sunday, with children's activities and exhibitions. Visitors will once again be able to explore the rich fair offerings and enjoy autumn flavours, with a particular focus on the mushroom exhibition. The distribution of roasted chestnuts will also continue. The fair runs until Sunday, 27 September.
