For two decades, the Worth Park District’s Fall Fest has brought families and residents together for an afternoon of autumn activities, entertainment and community fun.
The 20th annual Fall Fest is set for Sunday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gale Moore Park, 109th Street and Nordica Avenue.
Stephanie Analitis, superintendent of recreation for the Worth Park District, said the 20th anniversary is an important milestone for an event that has become part of the community.
“It’s really special to reach this milestone and see how the event has continued to be a tradition for families and residents in our community,” Analitis said.
This year’s festival will include live entertainment, food trucks, a bags tournament and activities for children and families. Football fans can watch Sunday football in the beer garden or on a multi-sided big-screen TV truck.
The district also has added several activities to the Fun Zone for children ages 3 to 15, including Party Wheelz, a golf challenge and a basketball challenge.
The Pumpkin Patch will feature a new Hay Maze, with pumpkins placed throughout a hay bale maze for children to find as they make their way through.
“We wanted to add more activities that get kids and families involved and give everyone something new to try,” Analitis said.
While new attractions are part of this year’s festival, Analitis said the event’s appeal goes beyond the activities themselves.
“What I enjoy most is seeing the community come together,” she said. “Fall Fest gives families an opportunity to spend the day together, but it also brings residents, local businesses, organizations, staff, and volunteers together in one place.”
For Analitis, seeing children enjoy the festival is one of the best parts of the day.
“I especially love seeing the excitement from the kids,” she said. “Watching them run from activity to activity, try something new, and just enjoy being outside with their families is what makes all of the planning worthwhile.”
The park district is inviting families to come out and celebrate the anniversary while enjoying the fall activities and entertainment.
“We hope families will come out, spend the day with us, try some of the new activities, enjoy the entertainment, and make some great fall memories,” Analitis said.
Admission and parking are free. The district also thanked its staff, volunteers, vendors and community partners for their work in making the festival possible.