CRAFTERS
Handcrafted items are just the beginning of the arts that can be found at this week’s ChesterFest. As 150 vendors, including 60 handmade crafters and more who peddle art offerings, descend on the Chester Village Green Saturday, browsing and buying will make it a fun day all around. This year, vendor booths will be set up in a circular layout, making it easy to round the green and enjoy seeing what vendors have created.
Becky’s Blooms and Baskets has memory books; Like Mother Like Daughter has handmade soaps, bath salts, and balms; Riner Guitars has handcrafted guitars, cutting boards, and game calls; She’s Crafty by Lucy B has stained glass mirrors, ceramics, and monogrammed slates; JJ King’s Secret Sauce has apple cider in vinegar sauces; and Handmade by Tracy has jewelry, notecards, woodcrafts, and dollhouses.
The list of crafts goes on and on.
MERCHANTS
Commercial vendors will be on hand to offer services, allow you to browse without pressure, and shop a house or see how much your neighbor’s house is worth.
Other vendors include the Republican and Democratic Party representatives who will no doubt give you buttons, pins, and signs for your yard. Be careful of what you wear in public.
DOG SHOW
As just a warm-up for the Westchester Dog Show, ChesterFest will be hosting a completion among our furry friends. Prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, Best Trick, Best Large and Best Small dogs, and Best Costume. Owners will parade their favorite canine across the “Big Stage” and show off their stuff. This event can bring laughter and awes from the crowd. Sign your pooch up for the show at Centralia Animal Hospital or at the front of the stage.
FOOD
Get a taste of worldwide food at this year’s Fest. Nader’s Bistro has Mediterranean, Simple Street has seafood and classic American, Howlett’s Restaurant in Chester will be offering crab cakes, and
Jems Catering has Caribbean. In addition, Thai Top Ten and McBrands hamburgers and hotdogs will add a picnic atmosphere to ChesterFest. Snacks like kettle corn and funnel cakes will ruin your appetite.
The list is only a sample of the nine food vendors with a plethora of different tastes available.
Don’t forget dessert. Shaved ice and ice cream will satisfy your sweet tooth.
World Cherry Pie-eating Competition
For 15 years Chester has held the gold chalice of the Cherry Pie-eating Competition. This year, 15 competitors will vie for the 2016 Championship Cup. Competitors will line up with a 16-ounce cherry pie in front of them and a little whipped cream to boot. Whoever finishes their pie first wins. But don’t give up; there’s cash prizes for second and third. Contestants must eat all the cherry filling and the crust as well. Prospective competitors can sign up at the Chester Community Association tent in front of the KidsZone.
Beverages
Just as crafters offer unique art items, adult beverages will be on hand to benefit the Chesterfield Twinning Association. Hardywood Craft Beer will be on tap as well as your favorite wine.
KidsZone
At least 70 volunteers are coming together on September 17 for the return of ChesterFest’s KidsZone which will include the much of the fun for the youngsters as it did last year. But there will be a twist or two this year.
The KidsZone will feature: an inflatable climbing wall, an obstacle course, new games, and a house with balloons attached to replicate the movie “Up.” There will also be past attractions such as the petting zoo and the big top tent. A photo booth will be open to capture the memory and enjoyment of ChesterFest. “(ChesterFest) gives kids and families a fun place to be together,” said Christian Life Church pastor and KidsZone coordinator Dennis Lacheney. “They’re all having a great time, and they’re just excited.” Family competitions with prizes and other entertainment will continue throughout the entire event to keep everyone entertained. In addition to all these fun activities, there will be important information for parents and an art station to make crafts.
