Just two days before the official start of autumn, the Carpentersville Fall Fest will celebrate the new season with a day full of fun for the kids and a night full of live music for the adults.
Set for noon to 11 p.m. Saturday at Carpenter Park, the free-admission event will have no shortage of entertainment, according to Jen Hyde, the village’s marketing and events coordinator.
“We have some fan favorites from years in the past, like the little train and the hay wagon and pumpkin decorating,” Hyde said. “We also have the coconut climb and face painting. The Timberwork Lumberjacks Show is a fan favorite.
“This year we are adding a complementary cookie decorating station. That’s a free activity for kids. We have the Boys and Girls Club doing three different crafts for kids. We have archery coming for kids — that’s free. We don’t have anything that you have to pay per activity for.”
Look also for an inflatable corn maze, bounce houses, a magician and axe throwing.
“We have a blended vendor market,” she said. “We have some businesses that are coming to mingle with community and then we also have some crafters and some small businesses that will have items for sale. It’s a nice mix for people to mingle and (navigate) through easily.”
The park will be decked out with pumpkins, hay barrels and corn stalks to inspire that autumn feel, she said.
“We have music all day long and we have a great mix of food that features those great fall items. Coming off El Grito, where it’s very Mexican-centric, this time we have a huge array of items. We have a different food lineup for Fall Fest.”
Among the options are fare from Hello Boba; Asian cuisine from La China; Mexican burgers and tacos from La Chona; empanadas, flautas, tacos, esquites and nachos from No Manches; burgers, gyros and chicken sandwiches from Culinary Gangster; Yummy’s Ice cream Truck; Snowie Shaved Ice; frozen coffee drinks and crepes Café Te Latte; chicken tenders and fries from Doggie Diner; authentic Mexican cuisine from Don Rafa; pizza from Randall Road House; hot dogs and brats from the Dundee Lions Club; and corn from the Knights of Columbus.
The headlining band is Radio Gaga, a band that blends the music and theatrics of Queen and Lady Gaga. They’ll go on at 9:30 p.m.
“I was so thrilled when we secured them. I’ve personally seen them play before and they are top-notch,” Hyde said.
The Student Body plays hits from the 1980s, 1990s and beyond — dressed as cliché high school archetypes — at 7:30 p.m. Southbound is an Allman Brothers and Southern rock cover band performing at 5 p.m. Local bands Scubakin’s and Lewzinit open the fest at 1 and 3 p.m. respectively.
“They’ll draw a crowd and they’re really fun,” Hyde said.
Fall Fest has been a staple in Carpentersville for many years, she said. The family-friendly activities are a big draw.
“I like the fact that there are free activities for families, where it’s genuine, memory-making moments that don’t break the bank,” Hyde said. “You can give your kids this wonderful experience and hit all the same types of things you’d find at (other fall-themed businesses.)
“With the music, adults will enjoy the experience as well. It’s nice to be able go to a place where (adults) can have fun and the kids can get the memories and experiences you want them to have this time of year.”
Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Courier News.
Carpentersville Fall Fest
When: Noon-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20
Where: Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville
Admission: Free
Information: 847-426-3439; cville.org/607/Fall-Fest
