Popular event is slated for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday May 9, 10, and 11
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – The Chester Eagles Aerie 3252 have announced plans for the upcoming 2024 Eaglefest. The annual event is a favorite of local picnic-goers and traditionally kicks-off the spring and summer picnic season in the Chester-Randolph County area.
This year’s event takes place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 9, 10, and 11. All activities will be centered on the street and grounds at the Chester Eagles Aerie 3252 located at 402 Hacker Street in Chester (618-826-3933).
The 2024 Eaglefest will feature numerous activities and events including Carnival, COED Volleyball Tournament, 3-Hole Washer Tournament, Hot Wings Eating Contest, 50/50 Drawing, Gun Drawing, Live Music all three nights, and a wide variety of delicious foods and beverages.
“Brady’s Amusements” will be returning again this year for the second consecutive Eaglefest. They will offer numerous carnival rides, games, concessions, and amusements. Armbands will be available all three days for just $25 per session.
There will be four armband sessions during the three-day weekend event including Thursday from 5:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.; Friday from 5:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.; Saturday from 12:00 NOON-4:00 P.M.; and Saturday from 5:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.
The “COED Volleyball Tournament” will take place Saturday beginning at 10 A.M. There will be six-person teams and the entry fee is $60 per team. There will be a cash payout! For more information or to register please call either Hailey Nagel (618-318-1747) or Kailtyn Dillow (618-615-0855).
Chris Naeger is the coordinator of the “3-Hole Washer Tournament”. This popular event kicks-off at 2:30 P.M. Saturday. For more information or to register, please call Chris at (618-615-7110).
The annual Eaglefest 50/50 Drawing is always a crowd-pleaser. Tickets are now available at the Eagles Club or from any Eagles Member. Tickets are $5.00 each or 6 for $20. The drawing and big money giveaway will take place Saturday evening at 8 P.M. The winner does not have to be present to win!
“Live Music” is always a very popular attraction at the Eaglefest and this year will feature three very well-liked musical acts! Thursday will feature “Corey Evitts” from 6-10 P.M. His show will take place inside the Eagles Club.
Friday night features the ever-popular “Dear Darla” band from 7-11 P.M. on the big stage outside of the Eagles Club on Hacker Street. To close out the 2024 entertainment slate will be “Southern Gypsy” from 7-11 P.M. on the big stage outside of the Eagles Club on Hacker Street on Saturday night.
New this year will be a “Hot Wings Eating Contest” sponsored by the Chester Eagles Auxiliary. The event takes place Saturday afternoon at 5 P.M. Cash Prizes will be presented to the winners. The entry fee is $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event!
As usual, there will be a wide variety of delicious food items available throughout the three-day Eaglefest. Hot food includes Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Pulled Pork Nacho’s, Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Cod Fish Sandwiches, French Fries, and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
Additional food offerings include Sno-Cones, Cotton Candy, Funnel Cakes, and Giant Pickles on a Stick. Chips and other items will further be available inside the Eagles Club.
The ever-popular “Eaglefest Beer Stand” is made available by “Robert ‘Chick” Fritz & Donnewald Distributing”. A wide variety of soft drinks are also offered both outside in the picnic area and inside the Eagles. Mixed drinks can further be purchased inside the Eagles at the bar.
Last-but-certainly-not-least will be the “Annual Chester Aerie #3252 GUN DRAWING”. The drawing will take place Saturday May 11 at 8:00 p.m. on the BIG STAGE where “Southern Gypsy” will be performing.
A donation of just $10 per ticket is requested and all tickets sold will be entered in “ALL SIX” drawings that will take place. There will be SIX GUNS given away in the drawing and all tickets are re-entered into the drawing as the huge giveaway progresses.
Tickets for the Gun Drawing are available at the Chester Eagles Club and from Eagle Members. A description of the six guns to be given away is printed on the back of each ticket. Winners are subject to all Firearm Requirements.
The Officers and Members of the Chester Eagles and Eagles Auxiliary strongly encourage members of the community and surrounding communities to visit the 2024 Eaglefest Picnic to enjoy the delicious food, drinks, carnival attractions, competitive games, and many other family-friendly activities scheduled for this year’s event.