Worth Fall Fest ushers in the season

The Prorok family, of Chicago Ridge, Holly, Kara, 6, and Ken, dressed festively for Worth Park District’s Fall Fest on Sunday afternoon.

Fall is in the air.

The Worth Park District welcomed the season with its annual Fall Fest on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Gale Moore Park, 109th Street and Nordica Avenue, Worth.

“Getting everyone out in the community to enjoy what we offer makes me really happy,” said Stephanie Analitis, superintendent of recreation for the Worth Park District. “Every year we strive to make Fall Fest bigger and better than the year before. I truly enjoy seeing the community come together and celebrate the fall season with the Park District. I love hearing how happy everyone is with the fest and the activities we provide. It’s so nice to see all the families out and partaking in our biggest event of the year.”

The free event, now in its 16th year, offered fall-themed fun for the entire family, including a peaceful hayride, face painting, a mini pumpkin launcher, jugglers, inflatables, pony rides, Penny in the Haystack, a scarecrow stilt-walker, and much more.

While the event has traditionally been geared toward children, park district officials expanded activities for adults again this year, ensuring something for the whole family.

With the fest taking place during football season and a Chicago Bears game, officials made sure attendees didn’t have to miss the action. For the third year in a row, the Bears game was broadcast live in a beer and wine garden.

There was also live music, a bean bags tournament, and scenic walks around Gale Moore Park for those who didn’t want to watch the game.

The beer and wine tent was provided by Pete’s Liquor in Worth, featuring a selection of drinks, including Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Goose Island, and various wines.

Food concessions and trucks were also on-site, offering a variety of options, such as tacos, pierogis, donuts, Tropical Sno, Wally’s Waffles, and Beggars Pizza.

Brian Hanna, of Oak Forest, and his daughter, Lydia, 6, attended Worth Park District’s Fall Fest on Sunday.

“This is a wonderful way to spend time with family, friends, and your neighbors in our Friendly Village,” said Martha Zubaty, recreation program manager for the Village of Worth. “We welcomed everyone, including out-of-towners, to join us for a day of fun.”

While several elements of the fest are annual staples, many activities were updated or revamped to provide new opportunities for participants and local businesses. This year, the children’s pumpkin patch featured pumpkins donated by a local vendor, and a petting zoo was also added.

For teens, the fest included a Teen Zone with a video gaming truck and interactive laser tag.

“I love the feeling that it’s like a big birthday party or block party,” Zubaty said. “Walking around the park feels like a big family reunion. We were excited to give our community opportunities to enjoy life.”

Robert O’Shaughnessy, director of parks and recreation at the Worth Park District, shared similar sentiments.

“For me, I love seeing how Gale Moore Park comes to life throughout the day,” O’Shaughnessy said. “Fall Fest has really become an event where people of all ages can enjoy themselves.”

Attendees agreed, including Ken Prorok of Chicago Ridge.

“This is our favorite fall event,” Prorok said. “It’s a great family outing.”

The Abughalyoun family has attended Fall Fest annually, even after moving from Worth to Orland Hills.

“We wouldn’t miss this,” said Stella Abughalyoun of Orland Hills. “We look forward to it every year.”

Sponsorship for the Fall Fest was provided by Republic Bank, Stadium Club, and Air Comfort.

The Worth Park District gladly welcomed in the season with its annual Fall Fest on October 6 at Gale Moore Park, 109th and Nordica.