Coming in October: Chester Fall Festival 2020
The Chester Fall Festival is on, and even though the activities will be adjusted somewhat in light of the pandemic, organizers are confident it'll be a good time for everyone.
The fest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17.
One of the annual highlights of Halloween in Chester is the children's costume parade.
"During this time we just do not feel that it is possible to hold this event safely," said Recreation Director Patti Carter in a news release.
"But we couldn't stand not having our little ghosts and goblins show off their costumes. So, we are holding a Virtual Costume Contest!"
Carter said parents are encouraged to take pictures of their children, ages 0-10 years, in their costume. Post the photo directly to the Facebook page "Fall Fun in River City," or email it to virtualcostumecontest2020@gmail.com.
By submitting the photo you are agreeing to allow the photo to be shared on social/print media.
The submission must include the child's first name and their age. The deadline to submit your nomination is 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at City Hall. Children and parents need not be present to win, and winners will be notified via their method of entry (Facebook or email).
Triple feature
Due to COVID concerns the city will not offer free inflatables and games for kids. Instead, it is offering a free drive-in triple feature, at Cole Memorial Park on Oct. 17.
Show times are:
Ferdinand, at 6:45 p.m.
Ready or Not, at 9 p.m.
The Hills Have Eyes, at 11 p.m.
Moviegoers will enter the viewing area from Deer Path Road and exit on Pool Drive. Guests may bring their own snacks and refreshments and are asked to practice social distancing. Drive-in spaces are limited and there will be an area for walk-in chair seating.
Guests can stay for one, two or all three movies. There will be a 30-minute break between movies to allow people to leave and others to come in.
Contests and vendors
The "Chalk the Walk" Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, the Pumpkin Carve and Decorating Pumpkin Contest and the vendors will be located in and around the 1300 block of Swanwick Street. Festivalgoers of all ages can sign up and compete in the Chalk Art Contest. Be creative with twisting colors and crazy turns or a beautiful design. Use your imagination and stun us all!
Guests will enjoy shopping the many crafts, direct sales and market vendors, who are selling handmade and homemade crafts, refurbished goods, one of a kinds, baked goods and vegetables from local gardens.
Activities
• Adopt-A-Pot: Individuals, families, organizations, businesses, churches, etc. All are invited to adopt on of the pots sitting along the sidewalk and make it a fall expression of yourself.
• Old-fashioned Scarecrow Competition: Drag out the old clothes and create a character capable of scaring away the crows! This year's crows should be placed along the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Swanwick Street.
• Get hands-on with the Pumpkin Carving & Decorating Contest! Decorate or carve your pumpkin at home and bring it to the competition. Carve it, paint it, color it, and make it a masterpiece!
Early registration is not required but is recommended. Registration information and forms are at www.chesterill.com and at City Hall. There is no charge to participate in the activities.
The City of Chester Parks and Recreation Department is taking steps to keep guests safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. Vendors and shoppers are required to wear masks, use hand sanitizer and social distance from fellow vendors and shoppers. Staff and volunteers will use masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing practices.
• For more information on the festival, visit www.chesterill.com or "Fall Fun in River City" on Facebook. You also can call (618) 826-1430.