Patti Carter, City of Chester Recreation Director
CHESTER – The City of Chester has a full schedule for the 2025 Fall Festival to be held October 16-19. The weekend has something for everyone to enjoy.
We are pleased to announce that Swyear Amusements will returning with their wonderful rides. Armbands will be available every day of the festival. The armbands must be purchased at the ticket booth on the day of use.
The weekend events will kick off in Cole Memorial Park on Thursday, October 16.
Food and Beer Stands will open at 4 p.m., rides at 5 p.m. and the Poker stand at 6 p.m.
You will not want to miss the Casey A’Blaze Fire Show at 6:30 p.m.
Friday afternoon (October 17) starts with the After School Special, 2-4 p.m.
Armbands are $10 each during this time and each student will receive an afternoon snack at the Central Stand, courtesy of the City of Chester. The Soda Stand will open at 2 p.m., Food Stands open at 4 p.m. (some at 2 p.m.), Beer Stand at 4 p.m., and the Poker Stand at 6 p.m.
Enjoy the talented Ryan Himmel as he entertains with his juggling talents.
Swyear Amusement’s second session of carnival rides will be 5-10 p.m. with armbands $30 each.
Round off the rest of the evening with us and enjoy Corey Evitts live on stage, 7-11 p.m.
Saturday holds a full day of activities.
Activities kick off at 9 a.m. with the Chester Running Club 5K Race. For race information https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Chester/ChesterFallFestival5K
Shop the talents and creations of artisans at the Craft and Vendor Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Market is located at the main entrance to the Fairgrounds.
Compete in the Chili Cook-Off, the Pop-Eye’s Pie Contest, the Spinach Cooking Contest, or the Windy Bill’s Burger Eating Contest. Following the contest, you can learn about the entries in the Tasting Tent. Admission includes sampling of the entries. (while they last)
Swee’ Shenanigans is the place to be 1-4 p.m. if you are a kid or one at heart! Glitter Tattoos, Hula Hoop Performer and lessons, Giant Bubble Making (hands on), Games with Girl Scout Troop 8942, Balloon Sculpting, Interactive Magic Show, Character Meet and Greet and more. All Free. ..
Girl Scout Troop 8942 will hold a Bake Sale, and you will not want to miss the delicious lemonade at the Sweet Sip by Juicebox Lemonade Stand.
Back by popular demand on the main stage Ryan Daniel returns 8-11 p.m.
Carnival rides will offer two sessions, 1-5 and 6-10 p.m., each with a $30 armband option.
Soda Stand opens at 10 a.m., Food Stands open at 11 a.m. and the Beer and Poker Stands open at noon.
And if you are brave enough, take the Twisted Trail of Terror, 7-10 p.m.
We invite you to take a stroll through the trail in the woods. $5 per person and tickets are available at the Central Stand where you will board the shuttle to your destination. The Food, Soda and Beer Stands open at noon on Sunday. The Carnival will offer two armband sessions, 1-5 and 6-10 pm, the Poker Stand opens at 3 pm, the Parade steps off at 2 p.m. (high school to courthouse), then back at the Fairgrounds for the Unbelievable Magic of Terry Richison, followed by the Los Progresivos Band, 5-7 pm.
Come and meet Ace. A dark bay Clydesdale gelding, approximately 2,300 lbs., 18 hands 3 inches tall at the shoulder, his marital status is single, his favorite treat is cherry pie, he was born in Saskatchewan, Canada and his current home is JFP Equine, Waterloo, IL.
The drawing for the Raffle prizes will be at the Central Stand at 6 pm, and 7:15 pm Falling Skies Pyrotechnics will round out the weekend with a fireworks display to remember.
Shuttle Stops will be located throughout the park. They will pick you up, drive you to the Fairgrounds and return you when you are ready to leave.
For times and information visit www.chesterill.com and click on Recreation or call 618.826.1430.
As always, schedule is subject to change.
Don’t miss out on the excitement.
Bring your family, call your friends and enjoy a weekend of laughter, fun, and memories!