The City of Chester’s Fall Festival returns Thursday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 19 with four days of carnival rides, live music, contests, a parade and family activities centered at Cole Memorial Park and the Fairgrounds.
“We’ve got something for everyone to enjoy,” Recreation Director Patti Carter said, noting that Swyear Amusements will be back with its midway and daily ride wristbands available at the ticket booth on the day of use.
The festival opens Thursday, Oct. 16, in Cole Memorial Park. Food and beer stands open at 4 p.m., rides at 5 p.m. and the poker stand at 6 p.m. The Casey A’Blaze Fire Show lights up the evening at 6:30 p.m.
Friday features an “After School Special” from 2 to 4 p.m., when ride armbands are $10 and each student receives an afternoon snack at the Central Stand courtesy of the city. The soda stand opens at 2 p.m., most food stands at 4 p.m., the beer stand at 4 p.m. and the poker stand at 6 p.m. Juggler Ryan Himmel performs during the afternoon, followed by a 5–10 p.m. ride session (armbands $30) and live music from Corey Evitts, 7–11 p.m.
Saturday is a full slate from morning to night. The Chester Running Club 5K steps off at 9 a.m. (race details at runsignup. com/Race/IL/Chester/ ChesterFallFestival5K). The Craft and Vendor Market runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Fairgrounds main entrance. Festival-goers can enter the Chili Cook-Off, Pop-Eye’s Pie Contest, Spinach Cooking Contest or Windy Bill’s Burger Eating Contest; afterward, the Tasting Tent offers samples while they last with paid admission.
From 1 to 4 p.m., “Swee’ Shenanigans” is the kids’ zone with glitter tattoos, hula-hoop performances and lessons, giant bubble making, games with Girl Scout Troop 8942, balloon sculpting, an interactive magic show and character meet-and-greets — all free. The troop will host a bake sale, and the Sweet Sip by Juicebox Lemonade Stand will serve fresh lemonade. Country artist Ryan Daniel returns to the main stage from 8 to 11 p.m.
Saturday ride sessions run 1–5 p.m. and 6–10 p.m. (each with a $30 armband option). The soda stand opens at 10 a.m., food stands at 11 a.m., and beer and poker stands at noon. Brave visitors can try the Twisted Trail of Terror from 7 to 10 p.m.; tickets are $5 at the Central Stand, where guests board a shuttle to the wooded trail.
Sunday keeps the momentum going. Food, soda and beer stands open at noon. Carnival ride armband sessions run 1–5 p.m. and 6–10 p.m., and the poker stand opens at 3 p.m. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. from the high school to the courthouse, after which the Fairgrounds stage features the “Unbelievable Magic of Terry Richison,” followed by Los Progresivos from 5 to 7 p.m.
A special guest all weekend is Ace, a dark bay Clydesdale gelding weighing about 2,300 pounds and standing 18 hands 3 inches tall. Ace was born in Saskatchewan, Canada, now lives at JFP Equine in Waterloo, Ill., and, according to his handlers, favors cherry pie.
Raffle drawings will be held at the Central Stand at 6 p.m. Sunday. The festival closes with a fireworks show by Falling Skies Pyrotechnics at 7:15 p.m.
Shuttle stops will be located throughout the park, transporting visitors to and from the Fairgrounds. For schedules and updates — which are subject to change — visit chesterill.com and click on Recreation, or call 618-826- 1430.
“This weekend is about laughter, fun and making memories with family and friends,” Carter said.
