Last Fling looking at beer, tobacco sales

Naperville's end of summer celebration is aiming to be easier on the senses this year, particularly your sense of smell and hearing, while raising more money for charity.

Coordinators for this year's Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling, scheduled for Sept. 2 to 5 in downtown Naperville, met with the city's liquor commission Thursday to propose some changes to this year's event.

Most notably, Executive Director Brad Taylor said organizers are considering placing a beer tent in the Family Fun Land area at Naper Settlement and designating a special smoking area.

Taylor said the plan is to set up a beer tent from noon to 9:45 p.m. in Family Fun Land. After 5 p.m., Taylor said, the tent would likely be transformed into a pub-like atmosphere where beer and wine would be served and conversations could be heard.

Mayor George Pradel, who serves as the city's liquor commissioner, said he likes the idea of a beer tent away from the performance stage that would provide an area for adults to talk.

“I think it's a good idea to have a place where adults can relax and have a place to have a beer after the kids' area is shut down,” Pradel said. “And it's away enough that people can pace their drinking and enjoy the night without the music blasting them in the face and busting their ear drums if they don't want to hear it.”

Taylor said he's also considering creating a smoking area in a parking lot near Main Street and Jackson Avenue downtown, complete with cigarette and cigar sales.

“We've had some complaints from nonsmokers about the smoke in the entertainment tents,” Taylor said. “We threw this out there to cover our bases and try to find a way to make everyone happy.”

Pradel said he likes the idea but needs to learn more about the legalities of selling tobacco products in the smoking area.

Last Fling is the largest fundraiser of the year for Naperville Jaycees and includes will feature a carnival, musical entertainment, a beer garden, a business expo and more.