Eaglefest returns May 12-14
The Chester Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3252, known for sponsoring one of the biggest and best festivals in Southern Illinois, is bringing back Eaglefest next month after much consideration and diligent planning.
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 be held on the grounds of the Chester Eagles Thursday through Saturday, May 12-14.
Good news for the kids is that Brady's Amusements will be on hand to provide a carnival all three days. Arm bands will be sold all weekend for $25 each session. There will be four carnival sessions this year: 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.
The ever-popular Eaglefest Coed Volleyball Tournament will return at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14. Six-person teams will compete for a cash payout. The entry fee is $60. Interested players should contact Stacey at (618) 615-6224.
At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, the Eagles will host a 3-Hole Washer Tournament. Interested players should contact Chris Toledo at (618) 615-5867.
Also returning this year is the gun drawing. Five guns will be given away in separate drawings at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14. Tickets are now on sale and will remain on sale until right before the drawing. Every ticket sold will be entered in all five drawings. Winners are subject to all firearm requirements. The donation for each ticket is just $10.
The 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 9 mm Pistol; and a Winchester Wildcat 22 LR Rifle. All guns can be picked up at Hicks Trading Station in Pinckneyville. A FOID Card is required.
Buckle your seat belts, because the musical lineup of entertainment is fantastic all three nights. Thursday, May 12, the festival brings you Ian Ferguson from 7-11 p.m. At 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, enjoy the sounds of the famous OG'S.
Rounding out the three-day entertainment lineup will be two great sources of music 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 at 7 p.m.
To feed hungry appetites, the Eagles will serve pulled pork sandwiches, pulled pork nachos, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, picnic cod fish squares, and french fries. Snow cones, funnel cakes and cotton candy also will be available.
The beer stand will feature Robert "Chick" Fritz Distributing and Venegoni Distributing, and there will be mixed drink specials, as well as soda and water.
Each night there will be a 50/50 drawing at the picnic with tickets available for $1 each or six for $5. Finally, the Eagles Auxiliary will host a Lotto Tree drawing.
So far 43 individuals and organizations have stepped up as sponsors of the 2022 Eaglefest. Sponsorships are available at the Gold Level ($100) and the Silver Level ($50). To become a sponsor, 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.
Eaglefest 2022 promises to be a fantastic way to kick off the summer months in a family-friendly atmosphere that has something to offer everyone of all ages.