ABOVE: Gale Rowland walks with Snickerz, a 2-year-old Labradoodle, during ChesterFest.
The 18th ChesterFest, held Saturday on the Chester Village Green, was the largest ever.
Some 200 vendors displayed their wares while children played, a dog show was held and eight people participated in the pie-eating competition.
“What a great event! [Chester Community Association] did such an awesome job, and the Thomas Dale kids were so helpful and friendly,” Ben Dunham said. “My son, Hugh, keeps saying he wishes ChesterFest was every month!”
Tracey Walker, patient care manager at Centralia Animal Hospital, organized the dog show.
“I enjoy seeing the pets and interacting with the crowd,” she said.
Zoe Potter won the award for the best trick, and Chloe for the best costume. Barley was named best large breed, Obiwan was the best small breed and Gyro got best in show.
Johnathan Manuel won the pie-eating contest. He also won it twice previously.
Proceeds from vendor fees and sponsorships go toward scholarships and community projects, including $2,500 for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Thomas Dale High School and $5,000 for a new dog park at Goyne Park west of Ecoff Elementary.
