By Jim Beers, Contributing Writer
CHESTER — The Chester Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3252 has historically been known for sponsoring one of the biggest and best festivals in Southern Illinois.
Each May for years the Chester Eaglefest has been a favorite of festival-goers throughout the area.
After much consideration and diligent planning, the Chester Eaglefest shall return in full force in 2022!
COVID-19 restrictions have lessened and festival planners have had good luck scheduling a great carnival and lots of excellent musical entertainment.
Top it off with delicious food and beverages and the Eagles think they have the makings of a fantastic 2022 Eaglefest!
The event will once again be held on the grounds of the Chester Eagles Thursday through Saturday, May 12, 13, and 14.
Good news for the kids is that Brady’s Amusements will be on hand to provide a top notch carnival all three days.
Arm bands will be sold all weekend for $25 each session. There will be four carnival sessions this year including Thursday May 12, 5-10 p.m.; Friday May 13, 5-10 p.m.; and two sessions Saturday May 14, noon-4 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.
Saturday May 14 there will be the ever-popular Eaglefest Coed Volleyball Tournament. There will be six person teams with a $60 entry fee and a cash payout. The event begins at 10 a.m. and interested players should contact Stacey at (618) 615-6224.
Saturday May 14 at 2:30 p.m. the Eagles will host a 3-Hole Washer Tournament. Interested players should contact Chris Toledo at Also (618) 615-5867.
Also returning this year is the very popular Chester Eagles Aerie #3252 “Gun Drawing”!
There will be 5 guns given away in separate drawings at the Eaglefest Picnic Saturday May 14 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale and shall remain on sale until right before the drawing. Every ticket sold will be entered in ALL 5 drawings. Winners are subject to all firearm requirements. The donation for each ticket is just $10.
The five guns to be given away include a Browning Buckmark 22 LR Pistol; a Winchester SXP 20 Gauge Shotgun; a Savage Axis II .223 Rifle; a Glock 19 9mm Pistol; and a Winchester Wildcat 22 LR Rifle. All guns can be picked up at Hicks Trading Station at 4952 State Rte. 13 in Pinckneyville, Illinois 62274. A FOID Card is required. The phone number for Hicks Trading Station is (618) 357-2583.
Buckle your seat belts because the musical lineup of entertainment is fantastic all three nights.
Thursday May 12 from 7-11 p.m. the festival brings you, “Ian Ferguson”.
Friday May 13 at 8 p.m. enjoy the sounds of the famous, “OG’S”.
Rounding out the three-day festival entertainment lineup will be TWO great sources of music in one day Saturday May 14.
From 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. listen to the familiar music of “Broedy Fricke.”
Perhaps the highlight of the picnic entertainment will be the big band sounds of “Down State Music Company” kicking off the night cap dancing and listening sounds at 7 p.m.
As if all of the above attractions are not enough, the 2022 Eaglefest will also include Snow Cones, Funnel Cakes and Cotton Candy.
For the hungry appetites the Eagles will also serve Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Pulled Pork Nacho’s, Hamburgers, Cheese Burgers, Picnic Cod Fish Squares, and French Fries.
The Beer Stand will feature Robert “Chick” Fritz Distributing & Venegoni Distributing and there will be Mixed Drink Specials, and Soft Drinks of Soda and Water.
Each night there will be a 50/50 drawing at the picnic with tickets available for $1.00 each or 6-tickets for $5.00. Finally, the Eagles Auxiliary will host a Lotto Tree drawing.
To date there are 43 individuals and organizations who have stepped up as sponsors of the 2022 Eaglefest.
Sponsorships are available at the Gold Level ($100.00) and the Silver Level ($50.00). To become a sponsor, please contact the Eagles Club at (618) 826-3933.
All sponsors will appear on the big sponsorship board at the picnic and on radio and newspaper ads.